Enslaved

Norwegian progressive black metal band

Enslaved is a Norwegian metal band formed in 1991 by Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson in Haugesund. The band's music draws heavily from the Viking culture and Norse mythology, blending black metal with progressive and melodic elements. Over the years, Enslaved has undergone several lineup changes but has consistently been led by founding members Bjørnson and Kjellson. The band's early work, including their debut EP "Hordanes Land" (1993), was more firmly rooted in the black metal genre. As they evolved, their music incorporated more progressive sounds, which is evident in their later albums such as "E" (2017) and "Utgard" (2020). Enslaved has been critically acclaimed for their innovative approach to metal and has received several awards, including Spellemannprisen (the Norwegian equivalent of the Grammy Awards) for their contributions to the genre. They have maintained a strong presence in the metal scene for over three decades, with a discography that showcases both their musical evolution and their commitment to thematic depth rooted in Scandinavian history and lore.