Is Heimdal a good place to start with Enslaved?

Yes, Heimdal is recommended as a starting point for new Enslaved listeners. A sprawling journey through layered black metal and progressive soundscapes, invoking mythic themes with intricate musicianship. When 'Heimdal' was released on March 3, 2023, Enslaved was already well-established in the metal scene, having been active for over three decades. This album marked their fourteenth studio release, following the critically acclaimed 'Utgard' from 2020, showcasing their continuous evolution and exploration of complex musical ideas.

Heimdal works well if you're into steady pacing that invites immersion, gradual build towards resolution and atmospheric depth for focused listening.

How many songs are on Heimdal?

Heimdal has 7 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Heimdal

Enslaved · 2023

48 min · 7 tracks · black metal

A sprawling journey through layered black metal and progressive soundscapes, invoking mythic themes with intricate musicianship.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Behind the Mirror Start here — The opening track sets a compelling tone with its atmospheric build-up and intricate rhythms, establishing the thematic depth that permeates the album.
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Forest Dweller — This track exemplifies the band's signature fusion of melodic elements with aggressive passages, highlighting their ability to weave narrative and sonic complexity.
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Heimdal — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's overarching themes of mythology and existential inquiry, featuring dynamic shifts that showcase the band's technical prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate musicianship and thematic depth, balancing aggression with atmospheric elements.

What we noticed

The final track, 'Heimdal', serves as an extended conclusion, gradually building in intensity before tapering off into a serene outro.

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

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

steady pacing that invites immersion
gradual build towards resolution
atmospheric depth for focused listening
journey through expansive soundscapes

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification sounds

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and evolution in sound after decades in the scene.
Themes: Norse mythology· mythic landscapes
Career context: When 'Heimdal' was released on March 3, 2023, Enslaved was already well-established in the metal scene, having been active for over three decades. This album marked their fourteenth studio release, following the critically acclaimed 'Utgard' from 2020, showcasing their continuous evolution and exploration of complex musical ideas.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Agalloch· Ne Obliviscaris