If you're not familiar with Enslaved, this is a good
enough place to start. Record live in Krakow, Poland
late last year, Live Retaliation features songs from both the early years ("Slaget I Skogen Bortenfor,"
from 1993's Hordanes Land) and now (a helping of three songs from their new, brilliant Below The Lights,including "As Fire Swept Clean The Earth"). There are works not represented (1997's Eld, for one) but that hardly matters, because what is here represents rather well how this Norwegian collective has grown and expanded their sound over the years and suggests some possibilities for where they might go in the future. (Whereas some death/black bands are purported to have progressive elements but don't, Enslaved deliver the goods, replete with Floydian or King Crimson nods from time to time. How cool is that?)
With an extensive written history in the DVD booklet
(it may be old hat for old guard fans but is highly
informative for late comers and it's great to see
someone actually take the time to put information in
one of those booklets), rare, unreleased tracks, an
interview that reveals the members as intelligent,
thoughtful people and other bonuses (screen savers, a
discography), Live Retaliation is a find. (Kudos to
Metal Mind for putting together such a great package.)
While the band may not be the most dynamic to watch
live (they play their instruments, head bang or pace
around the stage a little but that's it--no fire
breathing or well-choreographed stage move), they
sound incredible which is what finally matters. I'm
uncertain as to whether there's a CD version of this
but if there is, you might also be wise to grab it.
You'll need something to listen to in the car when
you're away from the TV.
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