Ihsahn: Ihsahn

Ihsahn is a revered name in extreme metal. The Norwegian multi-instrumentalist is best known for his work in the influential Black metal band Emperor. Iconic albums such as In the Nightside Eclipse and Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk were game changers for the genre in the 1990’s.

Despite the legacy, Emperor’s studio album discography is relatively compact compared to Ihsahn’s other ventures. Both his side project Peccatum and solo works (released under the Ihsahn moniker) have significant catalogues, so I’m labouring the point that Ihsahn (as a musician) is more than just his work in Emperor. The self-titled album Ihsahn, the eighth Ihsahn album to date, has been 3 years in the making and is set for release on 16 February 2024.

It’s worth noting right from the outset that Ihsahn (both the man, the band, and the album) have a much wider sound palate and appeal than simply that of traditional black metal. Ihsahn’s solo work is definitely a form of progressive metal, although there are still some black metal elements in the mix. I’d go so far as to say there is just as much material on this album that is reminiscent of Porcupine Tree, Riverside, ‘Larks era’ King Crimson & Symphony X, as there is material that sounds like Emperor.

A major talking point to the release’s sound is the presence a full orchestra. “I wanted to dig deep into the core essentials of my musical background; black/extreme-metal and my love of orchestral music and soundtracks�, states the man himself. The orchestral aspects of the release give the album a really epic feel. On some of the songs, the orchestra is used to complement the metal arrangements, whilst other tracks are entirely orchestral. In both instances, the presence elevates the album to my ears.

I’ve tried to spend more time with this album than I usually do before writing the review, because it’s got plenty of layers to unpack. After spending a good amount of time to digest the work I’m confident it is my favourite new release this year. I feel like it may well continue to climb over the course of the year too. I’ve rated it a slightly harsh 4 stars because, if I am being critical, I find it to be lacking some really addictive melodic sections or motifs that demand me to come back for more listens. For the same reason I don’t have a strong preference for a favourite track on the release �" all are very good, without being flawless. Despite this critique, it's clearly a well-constructed and composed release that may well be perfect to other people’s ears.

If you consider progressive metal to be one of your favourite genres’, then you must give this album a listen.

Tracklist
1. Cervus Venator
2. The Promethean Spark
3. Pilgrimage to Oblivion
4. Twice Born
5. A Taste of the Ambrosia
6. Anima Extraneae
7. Blood Trails to Love
8. Hubris and Blue Devils
9. The Distance Between Us
10. At the Heart of All Things Broken
11. Sonata Profana

Added: January 25th 2024
Reviewer: Chris Reid
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
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Language: english

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