In the seventh of nine installments, bassist/vocalist Grutle Kjellson and rhythm guitarist/songwriter Ivar Bjørnson of the progressive/psychedelic Norwegian black metal band ENSLAVED offer commentary on the songs that will appear on the band’s new album Axioma Ethica Odini, which is scheduled for release in Europe on September 27th and in North America on September 28th.

Grutle on 'Singular':

“This was definitely the song we spent the longest time working with. It was hard to come up with ideas for arrangements, and we tried out a lot of different stuff. In this process, however, we enjoyed the song more and more. When we finally finished writing the arrangements, it was a real pleasure to record it! A fantastic song, full of surprises and changes. Without doubt, the most progressive song this time. Gotta love it!”

Ivar on 'Singular':

“This is where the ‘last part’ of the album starts: For me, the first four songs represent the Extreme Metal tradition of Enslaved, while ‘Axioma’ and ‘Giants’ represents a transition into the last part where we are showing more of our influences from so-called progressive music and Classic Rock. In ‘Singular,’ I would say that it is more the form than the actual tonality and chord progressions that are pointing towards these influences: The riffs are on the Extreme/ Black side with the occasional nod to classic Thrash Metal. It is classic Enslaved in the sense that it is rule-breaking, somewhat chaotic at first listen, yet logical at the same time, building intensity towards a droning stretch towards the end. Conceptually, the song deals with the concept of being Singular, the Power of One – not to be confused with ‘Goth-alone.’ For me, it could be dealing with the fruits of taking the pain and disasters as natural, valuable parts of the journey, and the pleasure of reaping what you’ve sown.”

Read the commentaries on 'Ethica Odini', 'Raidho', 'Waruun', 'The Beacon', 'Axioma', and 'Giants' at this location.

Axioma Ethica Odini will feature the following tracklisting:

'Ethica Odini'

'Raidho'

'Waruun'

'The Beacon'

'Axioma'

'Giants'

'Singular'

'Night Sight'

'Lightening'

Audio samples of all tracks from Axioma Ethica Odini are available online at Amazon.co.uk.

Enslaved recently launched a 'Ethica Odini' Fan Video Contest. More information on the flyer below. Further details at this location.

Enslaved will embark on a seven-show Circling Above And Within Tour of Europe beginning October 15th and will return to North America in November as the direct support act for DIMMU BORGIR. All upcoming tour dates are available here.