Àmr is due for release in May.
Ihsahn, one of Norway’s most pioneering musical legends, has unveiled details of his upcoming studio album, titled “Àmr”. The album will feature 9 songs and will be released via Candlelight/Spinefarm on May 4, 2018.
The first track to be made available from the album is “Arcana Imperii”, which features a guitar solo by Opeth’s Fredrik Åkesson. The accompanying music video (created by Richard Oakes of Dark Fable Media) can be seen below.
Ihsahn commented on the new video:
“As with previous albums, I’ve tried to maintain a certain diversity throughout “Àmr”, with every track having a somewhat individual identity. So, as a first introduction, I felt “Arcana Imperii” contained several key elements from the whole album and was a logical choice as first single and video.”
Drawing from a rich pool of influences and utilizing a wide range of instruments, Ihsahn has created a dark and brooding album. “Àmr” possesses its own unique atmosphere; a palpable sense of tension and unease that infuses even the album’s most melodic moments with heightened drama and otherworldly menace. Although as dark and intense as anything he has conjured before, both the depth of sonic texture and the clarity of his overarching vision are more impressive than ever.
Once again percussively propelled by longtime drummer Tobias Ørnes Andersen and with a blistering guest solo from Opeth’s Fredrik Åkesson on “Arcana Imperii”, “Ámr” is another evolutionary leap from one of metal’s most remorselessly forward-thinking protagonists.
Regarding the participations of Fredrik Åkesson and Tobias Andersen, Ihsahn stated:
“It’s just lovely to work with Tobias. I know that he can technically handle anything I throw at him. But more importantly, when I say like; ‘I want this to feel like the vacuum between words in a conversation with Hannibal Lecter,’ he will say, ‘Yeah, I get that!’ [Laughs] So for him, it’s not about showing off, it’s always about relating to the vibe. With Fredrik, we met first time in Oslo, when I did my debut solo show as support to Opeth and later we’ve hung out on different festivals when we happen to play the same day. Last time in Japan when we played there with Emperor and Opeth. We were talking about guitars and I said, ‘Not to kiss up to you or anything, but you’re absolutely one of my favourite players, so some day I might call you for a guest solo…’ and he says, ‘I’m in!’ He did a fabulous job.”
Ihsahn
“Ámr”
Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2018
01. Lend Me The Eyes Of The Millenia
02. Arcana Imperii
03. Sámr
04. One Less Enemy
05. Where You Are Lost And I Belong
06. In Rites Of Passage
07. Marble Soul
08. Twin Black Angels
09. Wake
“Àmr” was recorded at Ihsahn’s own Mnemosyne Studio, except for drum recordings which were done at Sonic Attic Studios. Mixing was handled by Fascination Street Studios, in the capable hands of the talented Linus Corneliusson. Mastering was once again done by Jens Bogren.
“Àmr” is available to pre-order here. The record will be available on CD, 2xLP gatefold vinyl, and digitally. “Arcana Imperii” is available as an instant download with digital pre-orders of the album.
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