Is In Times a good place to start with Enslaved?

Yes, In Times is recommended as a starting point for new Enslaved listeners. A sprawling tapestry of progressive black metal, intertwining atmospheric melodies with ferocious rhythms and existential themes. In Times marks Enslaved's twelfth studio album, following their critically acclaimed release Riitiir in 2012. By this time, the band had firmly established itself as a pioneering force in the progressive metal scene, blending traditional black metal with various influences, showcasing their evolution and maturity as artists.

In Times works well if you're into steady pacing for deep focus, immersive journey through soundscapes and reflective moments of introspection.

How many songs are on In Times?

In Times has 6 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

In Times

Enslaved · 2015

53 min · 6 tracks · black metal

A sprawling tapestry of progressive black metal, intertwining atmospheric melodies with ferocious rhythms and existential themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Thurisaz Dreaming Start here — This opening track sets a tone of ethereal yet aggressive soundscapes, featuring haunting melodies that encapsulate the album's overarching themes of nature and mythology.
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Building With Fire — With its dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and melodic interludes, this track showcases the band's ability to balance aggression with introspection, embodying the essence of their progressive direction.
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In Times — The title track serves as a centerpiece for the album, unfolding over ten minutes of rich instrumentation that explores complex lyrical narratives about time and existence, illustrating the band's artistic ambition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and dynamic shifts, rewarding multiple listens while maintaining a cohesive sound.

What we noticed

The album features lengthy tracks, with the shortest being over six minutes, allowing for expansive musical development.
Vocals alternate between harsh screams and clean singing, enhancing the emotional range of the music.
The final track gradually fades out with ambient sounds, leaving a lingering atmosphere that contrasts with the preceding intensity.

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

steady pacing for deep focus
immersive journey through soundscapes
reflective moments of introspection
haunting melodies that linger
mid-tempo exploration of themes

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a high point in Enslaved's artistic evolution with intricate compositions.
Themes: Norse mythology· ethereal landscapes· existential time exploration
Career context: In Times marks Enslaved's twelfth studio album, following their critically acclaimed release Riitiir in 2012. By this time, the band had firmly established itself as a pioneering force in the progressive metal scene, blending traditional black metal with various influences, showcasing their evolution and maturity as artists.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Agalloch· Ne Obliviscaris