I’d like to think that there is no need to introduce Ihsahn to you all, but just to be on the safe side – briefly, he is the founding member of Emperor and if you are unsure who they are then please educate yourself!
Having been creating extreme music for decades, Ihsahn took to the world of solo albums to express the more creative side of his genius and starting with the release of The Adversary in 2006 – he has never made anything alike as the juices flow and the brilliant mind wanders wherever it fancies in its quest to express.
Accepting that the core of the music created by Ihsahn is Black Metal, being solo allows the influences of other genres to be unleashed and be prepared to experience aspects of Prog, Symphonic and Experimental as you delve down this rabbit hole to a world that feels very alien but works incredibly well.
From the off, there is a feeling that the combinations and styles being utilised shouldn’t work and the unease of how it does in a bizarre and almost awkward way is as impressive as the music. If anyone could make them work though it is Ihsahn and not just make it make it work but make it exciting, intriguing and uncomfortable is a testament to the composing talent.
Some of the tracks on this album may make you wonder whether Ihsahn still has that Blackened edge as we experience the ‘softer side’ of things. Yet, you always know that the root of the music is firmly planted in Black Metal. The regular drone of the guitar pays homage to this and that recognisable vocal occasionally wanders back to that Black Metal sound.
Tracks like ‘Twice Born’ will have you celebrating those Emperor sounds but also will lead to some finding that legendary band whilst ‘The Distance Between Us’ explores the full Blackened Prog (if that is a thing) sound that Ihsahn appears to have been able to create.
You may be forgiven to notice on first listen that this is a concept album, however the full narrative is unknown other than the narrative being around Wagnerian narratives around the hero’s journey. Oh also, whilst mentioning forgiveness, I haven’t mentioned that this is a double album with orchestral versions of the tracks and if you thought that the original tracks took you to some unknown places – turn off all the lights and play these even louder and be prepared to venture into the unknown as they take on a whole new persona.
Ihsahn shows yet again what a brilliant and creative mind he has and more than that – the intellect to put the thought into stunning music sets him apart. Ihsahn is a stunning album and has to be an early contender for album of the year.
Ihsahn will be released Friday 16th February via Candlelight Records.
Review: Ed Ford
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IHSAHN online:
Ihsahn Official Website || Facebook | Instagram || Twitter | Candlelight