Eld and Frost are the first albums of Enslaved that I heard and in my opinion these were really good black metal albums. After Blodhemn I lost sight of the band. But now, after listening to Below The Lights I’m a bit ashamed, because this album is really interesting. My first reaction on the album was very positive, especially after I heard the deviant Viking song “Havenless”. Maybe not a typical Enslaved song, but it really appealed to me.

Comparing Below The Lights with the older Enslaved albums, a few things are conspicuous. On this release one can hear many traditional heavy metal riffs and there is just little room left for blast beats. (if it was up to me I would create some more fast and furious parts in the music). I noticed the screams are varied with grunts. Because of this the music sounds more divers. Guitar solos are also more present on this last release than on the older Enslaved albums, which I really like.

The solos sound really good and emotional, which is quit rare for a black metal band.

Before the production of Below The Lights, both R. Kronheim and Dirge Rep (respectively guitars and drums) left the band, due to personal problems and fatigue. The original line-up, including Ivar P. and Grutle Kjellson, added lead guitarist Arve Isdal. According to the band itself, this gave them an enormous amount of new inspiration. My reaction on this album is mostly very positive, although I have one small remark (like all music critics; never satisfied), some parts are a bit monotonous and prolonged. In that perspective the song becomes stuck in a single riff, which is a shame, because Enslaved are easily capable of making it more divers. Below The Lights is an album, which should make Ivar and co. proud. From now on the album is ready to be unleashed into the world of man.