In 2020, Ihsahn released two five-track EPs via Candlelight Records, inspired by and dedicated to his home county of Telemark . The first, Telemark EP, represents the dark, brutal and aggressive side of Ihsahn’s compositional identity. With three new original songs and two ferocious cover versions, it represents a celebration of the defiant spirit that first inspired him to follow a creative path, forming Emperor, three decades ago. Listen to “Stridig.” The second, Pharos EP, is the light to Telemark‘s dark. Pharos features three original compositions and two covers: A delicate but true-to-the-original version of “Manhattan Skyline” by Norway’s own pop progenitors A-ha (featuring Leprous frontman Einar Solberg on vocal duties) and the haunting “Roads,” originally by British trip-hop collective Portishead. Recorded at his home studio, with additional drums by Tobias Solbakk at Jukes Joint Studio, Pharos is musically and conceptually a reverse image of Telemark. Full Ihsahn merch options are available here. ABOUT IHSAHN:
Since 1991, IHSAHN has defied expectations and pushed boundaries. Launching his solo career in 2006 with The Adversary, he has sought to maintain the black metal blueprint that he helped devise with the world-shattering EMPEROR, while mischievously exploring progressive dreamscapes, avant-garde jazz, electronica, darkwave, ear-crushing tech-metal and ambient meditations. Each full-length album has had an element of surprise and delight, where the architect plays out his creative vision by building on an unwavering zeal for the shock and awe that keeps his listeners on their toes. |