In one of the most unexpected and genuinely enchanting releases of the year, Norwegian black metal legends ENSLAVED have joined forces with the Storm Weather Shanty Choir — the storied vocal ensemble from Bergen's great sailing ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl — for a two-track digital single titled 'Enslaved & Storm Weather Shanty Choir'. The single features the shanties "Fire Marengo" and "Anna Lovinda," and is available now on all streaming platforms.
The collaboration was born from a performance during the choir's 20th anniversary concert in Bergen in November 2025, when ENSLAVED and the Storm Weather Shanty Choir shared the stage. The chemistry was undeniable, and the two acts returned to the studio in early 2026 to capture the recordings.
"Fire Marengo" traces its roots to American cotton fields of the 1800s and became a beloved work shanty among sailors. "Anna Lovinda" was written by the late Norwegian sailor, poet, and cultural icon Erik Bye, drawing from the tradition of Norwegian sea shanties. Both tracks blend the choir's rousing, unison vocals with ENSLAVED's mastery of atmosphere and Northern sonic texture.
ENSLAVED guitarist Ivar Bjørnson commented: "The sea is at the heart of Norwegian identity and these shanties carry centuries of that spirit. Performing alongside the Storm Weather Shanty Choir felt completely natural — we are all telling stories of the same ocean."
The single is a celebration of Norwegian maritime heritage and serves as further evidence that ENSLAVED remain one of the most adventurous and culturally engaged bands in metal.