Enslaved & Insomnium - Los Angeles, CA - 4/22/23

Norwegian Viking/black metal band Enslaved and Finnish melodic death metal band Insomnium both released new albums this year so it's only natural that both bands tour together. Both bands hadn't toured the USA since before covid so having both on the same bill was definitely a treat for fans of European metal. A USA tour was announced for both bands with support from Black Anvil. One of the early stops on the tour was at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Insomnium released their ninth studio album Anno 1696 on February 24, 2023. Insomnium is one of Finland's best bands so naturally, lots of fans were in attendance. The lights went out and fans cheered as Insomnium came out. The first song played was 1696 followed by White Christ. Both of those songs are from the new album so it was only natural that they play those songs first. For the third song, they played the classic While We Sleep. The harsh vocals of vocalist Niilo Sevänen filled the venue, and the fans were loving every minute. The guitar work of Markus Vanhala and Jani Liimatainen were a thing of beauty and felt good as the music filled your ears. Insomnium continued to play classics like And Bells They Toll, The Gale and Mortal Share. Sevänen made note on how it's been a few years since Insomnium came to the states to play and how they were thankful to return. The final song that Insomnium played was Heart Like a Grave. Insomnium thanked the audience for coming out and left the stage as the fans cheered for them.

Enslaved also released their sixteenth studio album Heimdal on March 3, 2023. It had been a few years since they toured the USA so fans were more than excited to have them return. The lights once again went out and the fans cheered again as the band members came out. The first song played was Jettegryta. Enslaved are known for their ferocious music yet calming to hear. The next two songs played were Homebound and Kingdom. The guitar work of Ivar Bjørnson and Arve Isdal are legendary in the Norwegian metal scene and seeing them play music live is a sight you can't get tired of. Enslaved played hits like The Dead Stare, Forest Dweller and Congelia. Bassist/vocalist Grutle Kjellson told the crowd that this next song would be the first time that they play this song in Los Angeles. That song would be Havenless, one of their most popular songs. To end the show, Enslaved played Allfǫðr Oðinn ("All-Father Odin"). It was extra special because the song is from their 1993 EP Hordanes Land which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The show came to an end and Enslaved bowed to their audience then left the stage. It was a great night for Scandinavian metal and hopefully it's not long before both bands come back to the states.

Photos and review by Misael Ruiz

IG: tarantulamanmr

Enslaved

Insomnium