RUUN

On recent gathering of i-Rock! Music Community there were CD counter offered by one of the members. I was introduced to ENSLAVED where its album Ruun was just considered as one of the best release album in the year by Metal Hammer magazine (I do not subscribe this magazine). I finally purchased the CD. My angle to enjoy this album was from Opeth music because I like Opeth. In a way the music is some how and sometimes similar to Opeth even though not the same. To me, Opeth is much more varied in combining acoustic and heavy side of progressive metal. AS far as I understand, Enslaved was previously a black metal band which turned their music more into progressive one.

Having spun this album many times, my view about this album is:

1.) The music is typically heavy with many soft as well as hard riffs that flow from one segment to another in typical song. There are some breaks in between heavy riffs but not a break that Opeth typically offers. The music flows nicely from track to track and there are good ambient created by the music.

2.) I find it annoying with the vocal style which sounds like Cradle of Filth music. I can imagine is Mike Arkedfelt of Opeth sings with Enslaved, it would be much better in enriching the music. The thin voice line by the lead singer here with this album does not sound blended with the music. Of course I can not dream to have Opeth singer sings here, but that's just my wish.

Overall, I tend to give this album recommended only to those who love black metal music. Listeners of traditional prog, might not enjoy this album. But I leave it up to you to decide. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW