VERTEBRAE

Another dense and difficult album from Enslaved. It is particularly frustrating because it constantly hints at an enormous potential of the music. Unfortunately this potential gets realized only very sparsely. The blame is largely on the vocals. First of all, I've really had it with these black metal rasps. They were very effective on Blodhemn and Mardraum, but they sound awkward and do not fit the more laidback style of music that Enslaved has adapted since. Now, I hear you say "but they use a lot of clean vocals as well now". Well that's true, but those are even less satisfying. The melodies are underdeveloped and the singer's voice is monotonous and emotionless. My conclusion is that even though 21st century Enslaved has the potential to be another Opeth, they will never live up to it.