‘Founded on the remnants of humanity thus, for transcendence, I have paid the price’.
Our nocturnal knight in shining armour, the formidable frontman, Vegard Sverre Tveitan aka Ihsahn is back with album number eight, and by crikey it is a double-headed beast. The first is the usual album structure, words, and music all deliciously painted in vantablack, and the second is an orchestral version of the first.
There is an introduction ‘Cervus Venator’ which begins this procession, all twinkly and sprinkled with fairy dust, it alludes to the generous and beguiling compositions to follow.
The sprightly tempo of ‘The Promethean Spark’ is a huge chunk of darkness, delivered with the devilish glint in the eye, sinister, yet diabolically attractive.
Ihsahn is a visionary, occupying the different levels and depths of innovation, constantly challenging himself and the scene, and each time outdoing his previous efforts.
Always progressing with the spirit of enterprise and education, Ihsahn is confident, producing work that has vigour and value, work that is honest as the day is long and replicating that endeavour as darkness draws near.
The wistful ‘Anima Extraneae’ brings peace, an auroral aspect amongst the crepuscular.
On ‘Blood Trails of Love’ you will find at 3.01 the musical version of the knife slashing into Marion Crane in Psycho, during the infamous shower scene. The music mirrors the slicing action, in contrast though the song as a whole, for me, is a Black metal Bond theme. As extreme as it sounds, this style of music is not your common or garden variety. It is very cinematic, overtly dramatic and theatrical, it is pulsating, it penetrates the hidden depths, you go blindly, you go completely.
If you relish the prospect of daylight deficiency, then the orchestral, instrumental section is an ideal companion to see you through the small hours. An oceanic opus, it clings to your wretched carcass, as you swing and sway into oblivion. It is full bodied, harmonious, and arranged to a masterful degree, absolutely leaving you to forge your own pathway, as you are not distracted by any lyrics. The voices in your head roll out the red carpet, they welcome this esteemed presence, you let yourself be tested, there are no winners or losers here, there are only survivors.
This record is a gift to all nyctophiles out there, when the world sleeps, they can find their solitude and comfort in the great expanse of this record. From the heavens above to the valley below, Ihsahn has found his place in an industry that is stuck in its ways, he has conquered, he has prevailed, from midnight to midnight, his cathemeral spirit is a force to be reckoned with. Your fears, your loves, your hopes, your dreams and everything in between all served up, determining a reaction, on this darkest night of your life. When Ihsahn comes knocking, you had better answer the door.
Azra Pathan
Ihsahn – self-titled double album out now, via Candlelight Records.