Keyboardist And Vocalist Herbrand Larsen Quits Enslaved


Herbrand LArsen with Enslaved, by Jonathan Arevalo Photography

On the heels of a spectacular weekend in New York last week at the By Norse sponsored New York By Norse Enslaved 25th Anniversary weekend, Keyboardist And vocalist Herbrand Larsen has announced his departure after 12 years.

Larsen commented:

After 13 years of being a part of this amazing band it saddens me to say that I will be leaving Enslaved. It was not an easy decision to come to! I love Enslaved and will always do. There is no drama or anger involved in this. I think we all understand why this is the best decision both for me and the band.


I don’t have that 100% drive anymore, the drive you need to be in a band like Enslaved. Only 99% and that is not enough. It’s hard to explain but this is how it is. I remember all the shows we have done together. All the places we have been and all the fans that we’ve met. I remember meeting fans, telling me that our music really means something to them. I remember traveling places I never thought I would see. I remember working with extremely talented people. I remember tough times, sad times but most of all, all the good times. You have all been a huge part of my life and will still be.


For that I’m truly grateful! I’m looking forward to spend more time in the studio. Recording, producing and mixing music. That’s where I want my focus and my drive to be. To Arve, Cato, Grutle and Ivar, thank you for your friendship, your creativity and your support. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for you guys. I am sure you will be even better, stronger and more successful in the future. And you will still continue to be my friends and a big part of my life. Thank you! »

Larsen played with Enslaved for 12 years and featured his keyboards and clean vocals, central to the change in Enslaved’s sound away from black metal to more varied styles. He wrote and played on the albums Isa, Ruun, Vertebrae, Axioma Ethica Odini, RIITIIЯ, In Times and several EP’s. Larsen has many engineering and production credits and has also played with rockers Audrey Horne.

Herbrand Larsen with Enslaved, by Jonathan Arevalo Photography

Larsen currently owns the Conclave & Earshot Studios with Enslaved guitarist Arve “Ice Dale” Isdal.