Norwegian extreme metallers ENSLAVED won the "Metal Album of the Year" prize at the Norwegian "Grammy" awards, Spellemannprisen, for their latest release, "ISA". The Norwegian Grammy ceremony was held at the Oslo Spektrum on Saturday, February 26 and was broadcast live on national TV. This is was the band's third Grammy nomination. The other nominees in the "Metal/Tungrock" category were MAYHEM and BLACK DEBBATH.

ENSLAVED were unable to attend the actual ceremony as they are currently touring Europe, but were thrilled when they received the news. Guitarist Ivar Bjørnson commented: "This Grammy award means very much to the band and reflects the recognition of our efforts not only for this record alone, but for years of hard work. After two nominations, it felt extremely good to get the recognition from the mainstream music circus and to finally finish first for a change."

Ivar Bjørnson's father took the stage, and accepted the award on the band's behalf with the following statement: "There is more to the picture than meets the eye... Rock 'n' roll will never die!"

ENSLAVED recently received the independent Alarm Award for "Best Metal Album" in 2004. The other nominees in the "Metal" category were SUSPERIA, KHOLD, RED HARVEST and MAYHEM.