Enslaved Explain Why They’re Down a Guitarist for Their American Tour

Suddenly a quartet, on Wednesday (April 5), Enslaved set out on their 2023 North American tour without guitarist Ivar Bjørnson.

The founding member of the Norwegian progressive black metal band was unable to travel overseas due to family issues, the group explained.

"Due to immediate family issues that needed to be taken care of, Ivar was unable to join us for our upcoming tour in the United States and Canada," the band said in a post on Tuesday (April 4).

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"However, the rest of us have arrived safe and sound on American soil and will proceed with the tour," Enslaved added. "Our voyage starts at Irving Plaza, NYC tomorrow, and since we are reduced to a quartet at the moment, we invite our beloved audience to become the fifth member! Let's go New York!"

The co-headlining tour with Enslaved and Insomnium features support from Black Anvil. It covers the U.S. and Canada through the end of the month. Enslaved's latest, Heimdal, came out in March.

Get Enslaved tickets here. See the dates under the post.

Below, see a list of rock and metal bands touring in 2023. Sign up for Loudwire's newsletter and get the Loudwire app to read the latest rock and metal news.

Enslaved Statement - April 4, 2023

Enslaved, Insomnium + Black Anvil Spring 2023 North American Tour

April 5 – New York, N.Y. @ Irving Plaza
April 6 – Boston, Mass. @ Big Night Live
April 7 – Montreal, Quebec @ Corona Theatre
April 8 – Toronto, Ontario @ Opera House
April 10 – Detroit, Mich. @ Saint Andrew's Hall
April 11 – Chicago, Ill. @ House of Blues
April 12 – Minneapolis, Minn. @ Varsity Theater
April 14 – Denver, Colo. @ The Gothic
April 15 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ The Complex
April 17 – Seattle, Wash @ The Crocodile
April 18 – Vancouver, British Columbia @ Rickshaw
April 19 – Portland, Ore. @ Hawthorne Theatre
April 21 – Berkeley, Calif. @ UC Theatre
April 22 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Fonda
April 23 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Nile Theater
April 25 – Austin, Texas @ Come & Take It Live
April 26 – Dallas, Texas @ Echo Lounge
April 28 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Variety Playhouse
April 29 – Raleigh, N.C. @ Lincoln Theatre
April 30 – Baltimore, Md. @ Baltimore Soundstage