Ihsahn - Arktis. (Candlelight/Spinefarm Records) 2016
8
Pushing boundaries of creativity and rising again seems to be the only motto for every single sonic creation of Emperor’s frontman, the legendary and visionary Ihsahn. Arktis is a bold and mind-blowing step into the unknown, that goes deep where Eremita left off, but still full of fragments of Ihsahn’s improvisational and fifth effort, Das Seelenbrechen. This time around the approach is way more organic and filled with more traditional song structures, full of melody and menacing old guitar riffs. Arktis features guest appearances from Einar Solberg (Leprous), Matt Heafy (Trivium), Jorgen Munkeby (Shining) to name a few, guests that helped to push forward Ihsahn’s most complete and emotional diverse effort to date. A visionary without equal.