Norwegian progressive black metal band ENSLAVED have released their seventeenth studio album, Mið, on October 30, 2026, through Nuclear Blast Records. To coincide with the release, the band has unveiled a visualizer for “I Am Ice,” featuring a collaboration with Sámi musician Johan Sara Jr.
The new album continues ENSLAVED‘s exploration of Norse mythology, philosophical themes, and progressive musical arrangements. Its title, Mið, is derived from an Old Norse word meaning “center” or “middle,” reflecting the record’s central concept of origins, balance, and the relationship between the past and present.
Guitarist and founding member Ivar Bjørnson discussed the album’s underlying themes:
“Mið is out, and I am immensely proud to share it with you. An album exploring the idea of ‘centre’ raises a question: what are we moving towards? For me, that is the quest: following an idea far enough that it begins to challenge your reasons for following it. Mythology, sound and what it means to be human keep giving us things to explore. It feels good to be here, with this record.”
The newly released visualizer highlights “I Am Ice,” one of the album’s eight tracks. The composition features Johan Sara Jr., whose traditional Sámi joik vocal performance adds another dimension to ENSLAVED‘s combination of progressive metal, atmospheric passages, and ancient musical traditions.
Bjørnson described the collaboration as an important part of the album’s musical identity:
“‘I Am Ice’ is a world of its own, with the seeds of the whole album hidden within it. Johan Sara’s joik opens a space where different ages and distant places seem to exist at once. Guitars, voices and percussive textures move through that space, with all the tension and friction their meeting brings.”
Vocalist and bassist Grutle Kjellson also discussed the song’s lyrical development, explaining that he drew inspiration from Old Norse skaldic poetry while experimenting with an unconventional writing process.
Rather than adapting lyrics to an existing vocal arrangement, Kjellson completed the words first, incorporating ideas from both himself and Bjørnson. His research into the structure and origins of skaldic verse helped shape the composition.
According to Kjellson, “I Am Ice” explores a journey through personal darkness and the process of overcoming it. The lyrical approach eventually helped him establish a vocal arrangement that complemented the song’s musical structure.
Thirty-five years of musical evolution
Formed in 1991 by Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson, ENSLAVED emerged from Norway’s early black metal movement before gradually incorporating progressive rock, psychedelic influences, and increasingly complex arrangements into their music.
Following their 1992 demo Yggdrasill, the band released the EP Hordanes Land in 1993 and their debut full-length, Vikingligr Veldi, in 1994.
Across seventeen studio albums, ENSLAVED have continued developing their approach to extreme metal while maintaining a connection to Norse history and mythology.
Their previous albums, Utgard (2020) and Heimdal (2023), explored interconnected mythological themes. With Mið, the band shifts its attention toward the concept of the center, examining how ancient traditions and contemporary experiences can inform one another.
The album also features a guest appearance by Kevin Kicking Woman on “Spirit Helper.”
Mið Tracklist
- Non-Being
- I Am Ice (featuring Johan Sara Jr.)
- Solar Will
- Mountain
- Spirit Helper (featuring Kevin Kicking Woman)
- Parting
- Tales of Trees
- I Miðju
European tour announced for 2027
To support Mið, ENSLAVED will embark on a co-headlining European and UK tour with Icelandic post-metal band SÓLSTAFIR in February 2027. Norwegian black metal outfit GAAHLS WYRD will provide support throughout the run.
The tour begins February 4 in Berlin, Germany, and concludes February 27 in Brno, Czech Republic, with performances scheduled across several European countries and the United Kingdom.
ENSLAVED are also scheduled to appear at Maryland Deathfest in Baltimore, Maryland, in May 2027.
Mið is available now through Nuclear Blast Records.
Watch the official visualizer for “I Am Ice” featuring Johan Sara Jr.: