Ihsahn: After

[subversion]

IHSAHN- After

Ihsahn: Vocals/ guitars/ keyboards
Asgeir Mickelson: Drums

Session Musicians:
Lars Koppang Norberg - Bass
Jørgen Munkeby - Saxophone

We know Ihsahn for his Emperor supremacy. His solo debut, The Adversary, was hinged on some Emperor expectations which turned out otherwise. His subsequent release, angL, fortified its predecessor in musical terms, by then it was clear that any Emperor manifestations remain to be the ardent fans’ mere hopes.

After, upon its release, was hailed as Ihsahn’s most dedicated effort this side of black metal. His current music embrace was indeed showcased in Emperor’s swansong release, Prometheus. For us who understood, Ihsahn is a genius in his turf & his medium of self expressio9n is his music. After is indeed a furtherance of what the world in general understands to be progressive music but let’s not forget it’s liberally peppered with adequate intensity to remind us of the man’s roots in his indulgence. After is an introvert’s delight in seeing his accomplishments take form. Armed with an expansive musical instrument in the guise of his Ibanez 8-string guitar, Ihsahn made good of what lacked focus in his previous releases, the reason why it’s deemed the best in his trio of releases. There is also a bold addition of the saxophone in addition to all things metal & furious. For those of us who continue to hope Ihsahn’s incorporation of black metal in his stand-alone efforts, this could be heard in trace amounts, if any at all.

Rating: 92%

 

[empihsrow]

I like Ihsahn. His music is definitely unique and discernable from the rest.

I thought angL was superb but alas, Ihsahn never fails to deliver. After was excellent from the first to the last and I thought Ihsahn was kidding when he said he always wanted a saxophone in his works! The saxophone and the free jazz were just brilliant.

Ihsahn's musical talent is immense(Prometheus alone could already prove that) and I hope he does continue his solo project(well, After is the last of the trilogy).

 

[kimura]

Been a huge fan ever since Emperor started giving me good headaches jammin' their stuff.

He ain't afraid to take risks& for that alone, kudos to him.

 

[LadyInTears]

I for one listened to Ihsahn's solo stuff before his emperor stuff.

and i must admit, it is an exciting journey going through his works of genius

 

[subversion]

we must also not forget his Peccatum days...

 

[optisailor2002]

Ihsahn's latest effort, After is a make or break affair for the long term die hard fan. While this album has gotten heavier with lots of heavy palm muting and crushing tone, it has gotten more experiemntal as well, with lots of saxophone playing included in the songs. Ihsahn introduces the utilisation of an 8-string guitar for the recording of this album, making the overall sound of the album even heavier than before.

Here's my take!

 

[subversion]

it's a thinking man album, definitely.