Enslaved Release Mið, Their 17th Album

Enslaved have released Mið, their 17th studio album, through Nuclear Blast. The eight-track record arrived on 30 October, bringing guest appearances by Johan Sara Jr and Kevin Kicking Woman into the Norwegian band’s progressive black-metal world. The label’s album details list a running time of 41 minutes and 59 seconds.

The title is an Old Norse word meaning “centre” or “middle”. For a band now 35 years into its career, the record’s focus is on connection: between different perspectives, musical traditions and the musicians themselves. It follows 2023’s Heimdal, while opening another chapter in Enslaved’s continuing development.

Enslaved promotional photograph: Chantik Photography. Supplied by Nuclear Blast.

For an introduction, watch the official video for “Solar Will” below. The track was unveiled during the album campaign in August, rather than released for the first time this week. Nuclear Blast’s announcement credits Bergen-based Kolibri Media with the video.

Two guest voices, a different writing approach

Sámi yoik singer Johan Sara Jr appears on “I Am Ice”, while Kevin Kicking Woman of the Blackfeet Nation contributes to “Spirit Helper”. These collaborations form part of the album’s exploration of communication across cultures, placing distinct vocal traditions within Enslaved’s own musical framework.

In the album’s Apple Music interview, guitarist Ivar Bjørnson describes setting aside much of his initial demo material and rebuilding the record around a more direct, spontaneous approach. He identifies “I Am Ice” as an important reference point for that change, rather than presenting the sessions as a straightforward continuation of an already completed set of songs.

Cover artwork for Enslaved’s 2026 album Mið — *Mið* album artwork, supplied by Nuclear Blast.

The album was produced by Bjørnson, Iver Sandøy and Grutle Kjellson. Recording took place between October 2025 and April 2026; Jens Bogren mixed the record and Tony Lindgren mastered it at Fascination Street Studios. Physical editions include jewelcase and digipack CDs, alongside gatefold vinyl variants.

A European tour follows in February

Enslaved will take the new album into a previously announced UK and European co-headline tour with Sólstafir in February 2027, with Gaahls Wyrd supporting. The itinerary begins in Berlin on 4 February, includes London’s Electric Ballroom on 17 February and finishes in Brno on 27 February. That run gives the record a live chapter beyond its release-week arrival.