Enslaved surely can’t need any introduction. After 30 years of Norwegian ice and fire, many albums and stellar live shows, Viking warriors Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson are back with their band, this time with an ep. This is about worlds beyond, and without spoiling the story, this 4 track work would seem to be about the dark and mystical forces within them.

Familiar ferocity and power coat the vibrant opening title track. Echoing, icy vocals match the sheer force and explosiveness. Audible natural forces are behind it, and the fire is matched by haunting clean and spoken vocals. The structure will be familiar to fans of Enslaved but it’s no less impressive for that. In fact it is attention-grabbing and technically supreme. By contrast “Intermezzo I: Lonnlig. Gudlig” is of a more mysterious world. It’s dark of course as we tread into unknown territories. The fear continues in “Ruun II – The Epitaph”. It is like a dark hymn, which is chanted imperiously as the drum beats tribally. The texture is rich and swampy. An acoustic guitar intervenes. It’s like a song of ancient worship. The sounds are enhanced and rich. “Intermezzo II – The Navigator” starts dramatically, and plunges into a relentless guitar line. Magnificent colours surround it, and the whole atmosphere is one of grandeur.

I counted that I own 11 albums by Enslaved in my collection so there was always a kind of expectation on my part. Here on “Caravans to the Outer World” the band presents a familiar face in one sense, but without wanting to compare it to anything else, it is truly imposing and magnificent. I found myself mesmerised by the musicianship and the range of atmospheres on this 18 minute cosmic journey.

(9/10 Andrew Doherty)

https://www.facebook.com/enslaved

https://enslaved.bandcamp.com/album/caravans-to-the-outer-worlds