IHSAHN

Release Year: 2010
Artist Origin: NOR
Style: intricate neosymphonic progressive black metal

written using eight-string guitars as basis and recorded in the first half of 2009, this cinematic eight-track full-length completes Ihsahn's pre-planned trilogy of early solo albums, standing as perhaps the most incisive work among his heavy and progressive releases, implementing the saxophone into the picture as well courtesy by Jørgen Munkeby of Norway's Shining, whose contribution adds a striking avant-garde edge, while Vegard's restless drive and disregard for stylistic boundaries result in a constantly shifting, multi-layered musical structure where progressive ideas, unexpected rhythmic turns and expressive arrangements organically merge with a strict yet poetic black metal aesthetic, retaining signature coldness and inner darkness while expanding its palette, allowing the music sound both aggressive and intellectually engaging, with lyrics exploring themes of existential consciousness and human nature; British first press slipcase edition comes with a bonus DVD featuring Making of documentary, interview with Ihsahn, and seven track live show from Oslo, captured on 10th March 2009