Norwegian progressive metal veterans ENSLAVED have unveiled their new single “Tales of Trees,” the latest preview of their forthcoming 17th studio album, Mið, arriving October 30, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records.
The new track follows previously released singles “Solar Will” and “Spirit Helper,” the latter featuring Kevin Kicking Woman, and finds ENSLAVED drawing parallels between the natural world and the human condition. Combining progressive structures with the band’s black metal roots, “Tales of Trees” explores growth, decay and renewal through the symbolism of trees.
Vocalist and bassist Grutle Kjellson explains:
“Tales of Trees is indeed tales about trees, but perhaps not first and foremost in a botanical sense. Trees can grow, shine, and flourish, but they can also wither and burn. They need to be tended to and looked after in one way or another, and thus serve as a fitting parallel to the human mind, let alone humanity as a whole.”
Kjellson also points to the recurring role of trees throughout mythology and folklore, describing their symbolism as a natural counterpart to the song’s heavy yet dynamic composition.
Guitarist Ivar Bjørnson adds:
“‘Tales of Trees’ can be both a tribute to our wooden relatives on this planet — who have had rather a lot of patience with us — and a metaphor for so much more.”
Musically, Bjørnson says the track draws upon the winding time signatures of folk music and the exploratory nature of classic progressive rock, using humanity’s familiar yet mysterious relationship with trees as another path into the world of Mið.
Watch the official video for “Tales of Trees”:
ENSLAVED explore the center with Mið
Taking its name from the Old Norse word for “centre” or “middle,” Mið continues ENSLAVED’s long-running exploration of mythology, history and humanity’s relationship with the world around it.
The album follows 2023’s Heimdal and arrives during the band’s 35th anniversary year. Across 17 studio albums, ENSLAVED have continually expanded upon the Norwegian black metal foundations from which they emerged, incorporating progressive rock, folk traditions and increasingly experimental songwriting.
Mið will be available as a jewel case CD, digipack CD featuring a bonus track and sticker, and several gatefold vinyl variants, including black, transparent blue, arctic blue pearl and blue/white/dark green/black marbled editions.
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
ENSLAVED and SÓLSTAFIR announce 2027 co-headline tour
Following the release of Mið, ENSLAVED will join Icelandic post-metal outfit SÓLSTAFIR for a co-headlining UK and European tour in February 2027. Norwegian black metal project GAAHLS WYRD will provide support throughout the run.
ENSLAVED commented:
“Europe! In February we are heading out on a co-headlining tour with our good friends in Sólstafir. There is a kinship here that goes beyond a shared enthusiasm for questionable weather: the belief that music should be allowed to find its own path, even when it refuses to explain where it is going.”
The band continued:
“Making a record is one part of the adventure; discovering what happens to it when we meet you out there is another. That exchange still means everything to us. See you in the flesh!”
Tickets go on sale September 25 at 9:00 AM BST / 10:00 AM CEST through ENSLAVED’s official website.
ENSLAVED live dates
Before heading out on the European co-headliner, ENSLAVED have several appearances scheduled around the release of Mið, including an album release show in Bergen and an Oslo Spektrum appearance alongside DIMMU BORGIR and SATYRICON.
Formed in 1991 by Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson, ENSLAVED released their first demo, Yggdrasill, in 1992, followed by the Hordanes Land EP in 1993 and debut full-length Vikingligr Veldi in 1994. More than three decades later, Mið represents another step in the band’s continually evolving interpretation of progressive and extreme metal.