Is RIITIIR a good place to start with Enslaved?

Yes, RIITIIR is recommended as a starting point for new Enslaved listeners. Progressive black metal textures intertwine with intricate melodies, creating an expansive soundscape that is both challenging and immersive. Released in 2012, RIITIIR was Enslaved's twelfth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Axioma Ethica Odini from 2010. The band had established themselves as pioneers of the progressive black metal genre, and this album continued their exploration of complex themes and musical structures while solidifying their legacy in the scene.

RIITIIR works well if you're into gradual build to intense climax, philosophical themes for deep reflection and immersive experience for late nights.

How many songs are on RIITIIR?

RIITIIR has 9 tracks, running approximately 118 minutes.

RIITIIR

Enslaved · 2012

118 min · 9 tracks · black metal

Progressive black metal textures intertwine with intricate melodies, creating an expansive soundscape that is both challenging and immersive.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Thoughts Like Hammers Start here — This opening track sets a powerful tone with its relentless tempo and intricate arrangements, showcasing the band's signature blend of aggression and melody that defines the album.
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Roots of the Mountain — The song features ethereal vocal harmonies and dynamic shifts, encapsulating the thematic depth present throughout RIITIIR while highlighting the band's mastery over atmospheric songwriting.
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Death in the Eyes of Dawn — With its haunting melodies and complex time signatures, this track exemplifies the band’s ability to merge heaviness with lyrical introspection, making it a standout piece in their discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

RIITIIR showcases intricate compositions and a blend of harsh and clean vocals, marking it as a notable entry in progressive black metal.

What we noticed

The album incorporates clean vocals alongside harsh growls, often layering them to create a rich vocal texture.
Several tracks exceed six minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages that explore themes and motifs in depth.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
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

gradual build to intense climax
philosophical themes for deep reflection
immersive experience for late nights
layered melodies with relentless rhythms

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, catchy tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Innovative approach and critical acclaim mark it as an artistic high point in their catalog.
Themes: Nordic mythology· ethereal landscapes
Career context: Released in 2012, RIITIIR was Enslaved's twelfth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Axioma Ethica Odini from 2010. The band had established themselves as pioneers of the progressive black metal genre, and this album continued their exploration of complex themes and musical structures while solidifying their legacy in the scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Opeth· Agalloch· Ne Obliviscaris