ISA

On "Isa", Enslaved reached the new artistic peak in terms of combining extreme metal (black/death) with progressive rock and metal elements. I would even say that black metal ingredients are quite limited here with the exception of raspy vocals.

Musicianship is refined, with attention to details, great production, motivation to experiment, instrumental chops, especially bass and drums. Epic tracks like "Lunar force" or the last tour-de-force "Neogenesis" have become some of the best that black metal has contributed to progressive music world.

Enslaved became masters in conjuring different moods no only by employing colours in their instruments but also doing magic with array of different vocals based on the need - death metal, black metal, rock or Viking. "Isa" is the title track, one of the catchies ones Enslaved have brought so far- it may even be suspicious of being calculated but the instrumental sections loses doubts.

"Ascension" is a slower but not less complex than "Lunar force". Quality riffing and heavy drumming are the main signatures. Melancholy may creep under your bones.

"Bounded by allegiance" is another quite memorable tune and we also have Viking vocals.

"Neogenesis" is a good epic if you want to hear all typical trademarks of the modern Enslaved sound and they even manage to include song intro and outro.

Essential progressive extreme metal album.