Originally written by Ryan Plunkett
It seems like just yesterday Enslaved released Monumension, and yet here I sit with a copy of their latest Viking Black Metal effort in my hands, Below the Lights.
Unfortunately, during the band’s downtime between albums, they lost long time member R. Kronheim, who has been replaced by Arve “Ice” Isdal. I know some fans may have been a bit worried by Kronheim’s departure, wondering if Enslaved’s sound would change. Well, I think it’s pretty safe to say this is the same old Enslaved we know and love.
Musically, Below the Lights follows the trend of the last two albums, Monumension and Mardraum- Beyond the Within, although the progressive elements are blended even more fluidly into this latest release. It’s hardly right to say Enslaved is going soft on us though; this release has all the Enslaved extremity you could ask for. Gruntle Kjellson’s vokills are as strong as ever, with that rasp that sends chills down your spine and the menacing growl that will have you thinking he’s become possessed. His clean vokills are also very strong, coming across clean, smooth, and of course very Viking-like. They seem to be able to employ this element of calmness to the music and give it a very melting feeling too, that sucks you further in.
The guitar work, clean and distorted, is phenomenal. Out of nowhere your ears will receive what almost sounds like an improvised little solo. The riffs combine speed, complexity, emotion, and the utmost craftsmanship. Ivar Peerson does an amazing job with the keyboards and effects. I think one of my favorite moments on this entire album has to be during the sixth track, “As Fire Swept Clean the Earth.” It begins with a somber keyboard intro that’s almost touching and suddenly out of nowhere the double kicks blast forth with a chilling scream from Gruntle and the harshness begins. As the song progresses, Gruntle is belting out some haunting vokills while the guitars maintain the extremity and the blast beats ring forth, and off in the distance there is this small whaling noise that just seems to provide a reassuring sense to the whole thing. As it ends, it leaves you with the same keyboard verse that it entered with providing a sense of completeness.
Dirge Rep (who unfortunately left the band after the recording), does an excellent job on the drums, hitting the blast beats with precision, the double kicks with force, and still maintains a sense of clarity towards the larger scheme of things.
The production on Below the Lights is perfect in every way. Sure, it’s not crystal clear, but the effect given off by the rawness just perfectly summarizes the title of the album.
Enslaved have outdone themselves and have put out, in my opinion, the best album of their career. They have taken their songwriting ability to the next level and created an album that will not soon be leaving my player. Below the Lights will send you through a vast landscape only Enslaved could create – one that’s mesmerizing, haunting, on the brink of destruction and tranquil, all at the same time.
