Ihsahn dropped the first single off his own 2016 solo LP, Arktis. The single overshadows his previous work on Abbath.
Ihsahn was the frontman for the band Emperor for a decade before venturing out into his solo career. Last month he released “Winter Bane” the first track off his self-titled album Abbath. Immortal were one of Norway’s seminal black metal bands, alongside Darkthrone, Burzum, Emperor and more. It’s mostly rare for a black metal frontman to go the solo route but he’s done it and is exceeding everyone’s expectations.
Immortal and Emperor/Ihsahn are two different sounds entirely. Immortal were always the more “straightforward band to emerge from Norway’s black metal nascence” in Stereogum’s words. Emperor quickly vaulted in the other direction, going for a different sound. Ihsahn’s solo albums doubled down on both sounds. There’s no crown for the better band which means no competition between the two, just two bands releasing great music.
Icahn’s also released the lyric video for “Mass Darkness.” The video looks like a National Geographic and History Channel collaboration. It consists of nature such has mountains and glaciers, and features warriors walking through a forest and pirate ships.
Arktis will be out on March 4, 2016.
Leave a Comment