Enslaved
Vertebrae
Nuclear Blast
3/10

You know how DethKlok recorded that album in the Mariana Trench because it was the most br00tal place on the planet? Enslaved may very well need to follow in said footsteps. While the guitars and bass sound like they were recorded underground, I think they didn’t understand the concept behind it. It’s a weird mix of formulaic and ridiculous. The vocals vary between late 80’s/early 90’s easy listening (think of the same voice behind Mr. Mister’s Broken Wings: Taaake…these broken wings…and try to fly again and be so freeeee) and an ogre screaming with a mouthful of chocolate pudding. See? Ridiculous. I can’t deal with it. I’m bummed, too, as I think in the world of metal, Nuclear Blast has one of the highest pedigrees and track records. I guess they gave me the most metal gift of all…DISAPPOINTMENT!!!

-Jonathan Yost