On Your Telemark’s, Set, Go!
Yes, friends we have here a gambol through ancient forests in Midwinter with our crepuscular count, the only Lord of darkness, Ihsahn, as he walks in a winter wonderland to the sound of deep, deathly growls. An ode to his homeland, we share his love, as we connect with our own lives. There is something comforting as ‘home’ is the type of word that conjures feelings of safety and warmth, although not true for many , there is still a lot to be said for that four-letter word. If you don’t have it already, you aspire to it.
I’m sure St. Valentine will be most pleased with this ‘unconstitutional’ offering in ‘Stridig’ with its brooding, classical notes and at 2.47 we have a little quiet time. We head ‘Nord’ now with more persistence and urgency and sail away on the waves of the anguished to harbour in ‘Telemark’, the home of Ihsahn. As bleak and stark as the terrain itself, there is a beauty and a majesty that overshadows any foreboding or fear of the isolation. You are at one with nature, you are reminded of who is in charge here.
This freedom mirrors the artistic freedom and we have two cover versions, the first is Lenny Kravitz ‘Rock ‘n Roll Is Dead’ and the second is Iron Maiden ‘Wrathchild’, both important records from important musicians, but given a sprinkling of the essence of Ihsahn. A chance to bathe in the sanguine colour of the night and absorb its power, potential and purity.
Come ladies and gents and try on the emperor’s new groove. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Ihsahn – Telemark EP out on 14th February via Candlelight Records.