If you know who Ihsahn is, it’s because you love what he does. Those familiar with black metal or extreme prog metal know this incredible artist. Odds are if you aren’t into those styles of music, you aren’t going to suddenly like Ihsahn’s self titled album. At least not in it’s “traditional” format. Ihsahn is a guitarist/vocalist known for being the leader of Emperor and for having one of the most harrowing black metal voices ever. I’ve been a fan for many years now so honestly there is nothing that he can do wrong in my opinion. This self titled album is more proof.

But let’s get back to what I said regarding the “traditional” album. Ihsahn decided to release two versions of this album. One I refer to as traditional in that it has the band and all of the instrumentation INCLUDING an orchestra. The other version is called the Orchestra Version. I had thought it would be an orchestra doing ALL the parts of the album. However it is just the orchestra from the traditional version ISOLATED. Honestly, I don’t find that near as compelling because of that. The albums should really have been released together with the orchestra version as a bonus disc. It’s a nice idea but I don’t think it stands out. You can clearly hear the orchestra on the traditional version.

The style does lean more toward symphonic black metal because of this. However, it’s not like Ihsahn made a Dimmu Burgir album. This album falls somewhere between that and what Ihsahn usually does, heavy riffs mixed with a progressive sensibility. The album has 3 strictly orchestral pieces (so they would be the same on each album), the opener “Cervus Venator,” “Anima Extraneae” and “Sonata Profana.” All are short but really nice. Ihsahn does score these pieces so that’s yet another thing he can do. As for the rest, songs like “The Promethean Spark” feature Ihsahn’s venom spitting vocals along with a big dramatic chorus coupled with intense riffs.

“Pilgrimage To Oblivion” is not for the weak of heart. This one is OVER the top, total blistering symphonic black metal. There’s a relentlessness to songs like “Twice Born” which is just enhanced by the strings. “A Taste Of The Ambrosia” is slow and doomy. Well, because Ihsahn goes with the black metal vocals, it sounds more doomy. If he had opted for a clean vocal, it might seem more like a ballad. It makes for an excellent change of pace regardless.

One of my favorite tracks is “Hubris And Blue Devils” which starts off with an almost manic sounding section, the strings add to it. Then it goes nuts. I like when Ihsahn picks his spots to use his clean vocals (like on this one) because it grabs your attention even more. This song has a great chorus that’s surrounded by craziness. Love it. Another song I really enjoy is the epic 9 minute “At The Heart Of All Things Broken.” The song starts so beautiful and yes Ihsahn has a great clean vocal. Not sure he thinks so but I love his voice, either way. The black vocal in the middle is perfectly placed. This is how you write a big grandiose track. Once again, the string arrangement is superb.

Ihsahn has definitely pushed himself on this self titled album. Naming the album after himself is definitely a statement. Is this my favorite album by him? No. Does it stand up along side his catalogue? Absolutely. Ihsahn the album is a voyage through darkness and light, power and drama. I definitely recommend the standard version. The orchestral version is for those completists or folks who just love a good string section.

Rating: 8.5/10
Label: Candlelight
Release Date: 16 February 2024