Coming off of the band's transcendent showing at Fire In the Mountains last month, Norwegian pillars Enslaved have announced the October 30th release of their next full length epic, Mið.
Bridging Norse mythology with the collective's almost four-decades of expertise in heavy music composition, the album is a testament to band's progressiveness and consistency proven across 17 albums of metal music mastery.
To begin the rollout for the new album, Enslaved have shared a compelling preview with the mammoth first single, "Solar Will". Guitarist Ivar Bjørnson provided some context for the commanding initial outing.
"There have been sun cults as long as Magic Man has been around (at least). The Sun is a nurturing and terrifying parent that can grant as well as obliterate life totally. Such a classic and awe-inspiring object of our worship and myths requires classic and awesome riffs, Bonham-esque drum grooves and blistering melodic flares celebrating its horrific glory. This is what that sounds like to me: “Solar Will”!"
Grutle Kjellson, vocalist/bassist for Enslaved added, “Solar Will explores archetypal conflicts, those that manifest in nature, the cosmos, mythology, and, above all, within the human mind. In this instance, the central struggle is expressed through one of the enduring rivalries found in Norse mythology, embodied by two important, though often somewhat overlooked, figures within the pantheon.
Readers familiar with the Norse mythological tradition will likely recognize the identities rather instantly, yet I shall refrain from naming them, allowing each reader the opportunity to engage with and decipher the lyrics on their own. After all, perhaps this is one of the essential functions of lyric writing: to invite interpretation and cultivate a sense of wonder? The conclusion, or more precisely, the absence of one, suggests that, for human beings, chaos and dreams are at least as significant as the realities we perceive through our senses. Ultimately, the work advocates not for resolution, but for the acceptance, assimilation, and shaping of these often contradictory forces."
In celebration of the release of Mið, Enslaved have confirmed a handful of performances and appearances. Their itinerary includes show dates with Dimmu Borgir and Satyricon, as well as a confirmed appearance for next year's Maryland Deathfest. A confirmed list of dates can be found below.
Mið, the new album from Enslaved arrives October 30th via Nuclear Blast Records. Order the album - HERE
Enslaved live in 2026
18 Sep 26 NO - Sortland @ Sortland Jazzfestival 2026
29 Oct 26 NO - Bergen @ Kulturhuset - Album Release Show
30 Oct 26 NO - Oslo @ Big Dipper - Signing Session / Meet & Greet
31 Oct 26 NO - Oslo @ Oslo Spektrum w/ Dimmu Borgir & Satyricon
Enslaved live in 2027
27-30 May 27 US - Baltimore @ Maryland Deathfest 2027
