Is E a good place to start with Enslaved?

Yes, E is recommended as a starting point for new Enslaved listeners. A blend of progressive textures and black metal ferocity, creating an immersive sonic journey that balances chaos and contemplation. E marks Enslaved's thirteenth studio album, showcasing their continued evolution in sound following the critically acclaimed In Times from 2015. The band had firmly established themselves within the progressive metal scene, blending traditional black metal elements with experimental influences, making this release a testament to their artistic growth and ambition.

E works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on E?

E has 9 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Released 9 years ago this October

E

Enslaved · 2017

68 min · 9 tracks · black metal

A blend of progressive textures and black metal ferocity, creating an immersive sonic journey that balances chaos and contemplation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Storm Son Start here — Opening with expansive instrumentation, Storm Son sets the tone for the album's thematic exploration of nature and existence, merging aggressive riffs with ethereal melodies.
→
Sacred Horse — This track showcases a dynamic contrast between heavy passages and atmospheric sections, illustrating Enslaved’s ability to weave intricate narratives through music.
→
Hiindsiight — Hiindsiight stands out for its intense layering and complex rhythms, encapsulating the band’s signature blend of aggression and melodic introspection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

E showcases a strong blend of progressive elements and black metal ferocity, creating a unique sound that stands out in its genre.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow build, layering atmospheric synths before introducing heavy guitar riffs and blast beats.
Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in tempo, moving from aggressive sections to more melodic, contemplative passages.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — E showcases Enslaved's evolution and received widespread acclaim, marking a high point in their career.
Themes: nature's fury· Nordic mythology
Career context: E marks Enslaved's thirteenth studio album, showcasing their continued evolution in sound following the critically acclaimed In Times from 2015. The band had firmly established themselves within the progressive metal scene, blending traditional black metal elements with experimental influences, making this release a testament to their artistic growth and ambition.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Agalloch· Ne Obliviscaris

New to Enslaved? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

What Else Is There

The bridge shifts in perspective, questioning existence and purpose amidst a backdrop of haunting instrumentation.

This moment contrasts the earlier verses’ assertiveness, allowing for a reflective pause that deepens the emotional weight of the song.