Released 6 years ago this October
Utgard
Enslaved · 2020
44 min · 9 tracks · black metal
A sprawling journey through atmospheric landscapes and intricate arrangements, merging black metal ferocity with progressive complexity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Fires in the Dark Start here — Opening with a haunting atmosphere, this track establishes the album's thematic exploration of darkness and light through complex instrumentation and shifting dynamics.
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Útgarðr — This brief interlude encapsulates the album's essence by blending ambient textures with narrative elements, serving as a thematic transition within the larger musical journey.
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Flight of Thought and Memory — A centerpiece of the album that showcases intricate melodies and profound lyrical reflection, it exemplifies Enslaved's signature blend of aggression and introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Utgard showcases Enslaved's blend of black metal and progressive elements, maintaining a distinct sound while exploring complex arrangements.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that contrast with the heavier sections, creating dynamic shifts in intensity.
- The use of unconventional song structures is prevalent, with many tracks exceeding six minutes and incorporating multiple tempo changes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 focused listening
- immersive journey through mythology
- cathartic moments of reflection
- consistent flow with resolution
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, punchy tracks
- seek light-hearted, upbeat vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Continues Enslaved's evolution with ambitious soundscapes and depth, marking a high point in their catalog.
- Themes
- Nordic mythology· darkness and light· ambient landscapes
- Career context
- Released in 2020, Utgard is Enslaved's fourteenth studio album, following their acclaimed 2017 record, E. This release further solidified their evolution from traditional black metal toward more progressive and experimental sounds, showcasing a mature blend of genres as the band navigated their long-standing career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Opeth· Agalloch· Ne Obliviscaris
Tracklist
- 1 Fires in the Dark Start here 5:59
- 2 Jettegryta 4:56
- 3 Sequence 6:39
- 4 Homebound 5:29
- 5 Útgarðr 1:51
- 6 Urjotun 4:21
- 7 Flight of Thought and Memory 6:22
- 8 Storms of Utgard 4:38
- 9 Distant Seasons 4:31
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Heritage
Opeth
Explores intricate arrangements and atmospheric soundscapes with a blend of heaviness and melody.
Crack the Skye
Mastodon
Merges progressive metal with expansive themes and complex structures, echoing mythological narratives.
The Mantle
Agalloch
Shares a fusion of black metal's intensity with ambient soundscapes and nature-inspired themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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