Ihsahn

Das Seelenbreche (Candlelight Records)
release date: 10/21/2013
by Mike Delano

With last year’s release, there are now more Ihsahn solo records than there were Emperor records, so I think it’s safe to say the former Emperor frontman is committed to this new life of relentless experimentation. As fun as it may be for him to sail uncharted musical waters, though, it can be disorienting for the listener if there’s not something sturdy to hold on to, as there often wasn’t on 2012’s Eremita. If “Hiber” is any indication, that won’t be as much of a problem on the new album, since the song strikes just the right balance between exploration and a solid foundation of familiar metal sounds.
(www.candlelightrecordsusa.com)