ALBUM REVIEW: Ihsahn – Ihsahn

By this point the creative visionary more commonly known to the world as IHSAHN has basically etched himself into Norwegian folklore. From his trailblazing beginnings as the driving force of EMPEROR to the progressive metal mastery that has followed there is very little this man is not capable of achieving. His impending self-titled and eighth full-length solo endeavour is due for release on February 16th via Candlelight Records and could well be his most ambitious work to date.

Cervus Venator exudes a peaceful, ethereal charm to ease you into this release. However, the calm attitude does not last very long as The Promethean Spark soon replaces this demeanour with IHSAHN‘s signature snarl and particularly jarring riff work. Aggression and melody tussle for prominence as it weaves its hypnotic, chameleonic web. Pilgrimage To Oblivion ups the ante with frantic instrumentation that hits you from every angle. From brutish blast beats to soaring orchestral elements, this piece immerses you in copious waves of unsettling unpredictability.

Twice Born blends cinematic splendour with visceral force, lifting you high above the clouds and slamming you to the ground in equal measure. A Taste Of The Ambrosia adopts a considerably less abrupt tempo in the early stages, allowing for the alluring dramaticism to lead the way. Before you get too comfortable the menacing tonality makes a return. Anima Extraneae provides subtle, graceful piano sequences, giving you an opportunity to take a deep breath before the inevitable unrest resumes.

Blood Trails To Love possesses a threatening manner that could well go for your throat at a moment’s notice. The building theatricality that flows throughout is delightfully addictive. Hubris And Blue Devils descends deeper into the maddening soundscape which has been cultivated thus far, as many complex layers convene to forge a wildly inventive yet remarkably chaotic tapestry that could easily overwhelm the unexpectant.

The Distance Between Us has you hanging off its every note; tension lurks around the air leaving you to wonder where it may progress. The introduction of clean vocals alongside the wealth of instrumentation offers up satisfying arrays of melody. At The Heart Of All Things Broken continues the journey down this emotive path, exhibiting a distinct vulnerability within its passages. A struggle ensues between the variety of moods and sentiments on display as the darkness begins to creep back into focus. Rather than opting to depart in a peaceful, gratifying manner, Sonata Profana brings this release to a rather sinister, chilling end.

For those who appreciate the orchestral accompaniments throughout, IHSAHN also provides these offerings in an isolated format for your listening pleasure, allowing you the chance to digest and fully appreciate the compositions minus the frenzied anarchy. For even the most devoted fans of IHSAHN this effort will prove to be a comprehensive assault on the senses. The destructive clash of styles between extreme metal and orchestral instrumentation is as impressive as it is bewildering. It will either leave you full of euphoria or rocking back and forth in a corner seeking absolution for your sins. Irrespective of your mental state this release is undoubtedly bold, adventurous and extravagantly experimental and this deserves the utmost applause.

Rating: 9/10

Ihsahn is set for release on February 16th via Candlelight Records.

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