Search - Ihsahn :: The Adversary

Emperor + King Crimson = One of the best of 2006

Sunshine the Werewolf | Canada | 05/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"IHSAHN - The Adversary

-

Truth is I've never really been a big Black Metal fan... Yet as I continue to explore music I keep coming across bands such as Enslaved or Arcturus, who though being progressive, are definitely footed in their Black Metal roots. Ihsahn (From the Emperor fame) is of no exception, combining black metal with progressive genius to craft what will likely be one of the top albums of 2006.



From the opening track `Invocation' I was immediately captivated by the blend of, furious black metal vocals, ambient keys, amazing guitars, a solid bass, and skillful drum work. The lulling symphonic breakdown midway through is a fantastic mood setting piece especially with the somber voice of Ihsahn crooning...

Now I won't bother going song for song but be aware that this sets a high standard for the rest of the album to follow... Luckily the rest of the album does not disappoint, each song is written to perfection, holding its own unique sound and style.



Ihsahn is an incredibly talented musician and an even more talented composer. He plays the instruments with the exception of the drum work with which is handled by the exceptionally talented, Asgeir Mickelson. The Guitar work is probably the finest I've heard in BM (just listen to the solo in, Called by the Fire), the keys are effective in their delivery and provide great atmosphere, the bass is a nice backdrop to the overall sound, and the drumming is just perfect, specially during the slower parts where he is given a chance to explore more creative rhythms. Last but certainly not least is Ihsahn's vocal range... from venomous shrieks to singing and everything in between. His range is overwhelming, transitioning perfectly between his various styles.



As a big King Crimson fan I can more than appreciate the progressive influences that show up throughout this CD, the blending of Metal and Progressive Rock truly is the greatest thing to happen to music in the last few decades. As long as artists like Ihsahn are unafraid to push the limits of music, there is no telling what amazing creations they will come up with next.



I would definitely recommend this album for those who enjoyed Enslaved's last few ventures, (Ruun, Isa and Below the Lights) and for the very few people who have heard of the amazing Norwegian band, Frantic Bleep.



Favorite Songs: Citizen, Homecoming, Will You Love Me Now?, and Invocation.

-5 Stars.



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This is not EMPEROR

Corneille | Canada | 04/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Knowing all the works by Ihsahn from early "Thou shalt suffer", trough "Emperor" and finally "Peccatum", for me, "The Adversary" is better than all of his previous works. And I'm a huge Emperor fan, my fav Emperor album is Prometheus. Thus it took time to grow on me. I'm also a big Peccatum fan, especially "Lost in Reverie". The Adversary, blow me away instantly, at the first listen. It is a very simple and complex album at the same time. It's like a journey through an array of multiple metal style (black, prog, heavy, etc), that brought me back thirty years earlier, when I begin to listen to Judas Priest, Rush and then to Mercyful Fate, and so on 'til Black Metal. It makes me feel young. This is the best of the two world (Emperor and Peccatum) with a touch of his classical influence. His voice is wonderful, his guitar play is at the top. His talent as a composer has never been so evident. The last track is perhaps the best song I've heard in my life. This is sheer brilliance. Ihsahn is a genius."

Strong solo work from Emperor front man

Murat Batmaz | Istanbul, Turkey | 09/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A solo album in the truest sense of the word, The Adversary has Ihsahn playing all instruments except the drums and doing all kinds of vocals from his harrowing deep growls to incredibly grim screams and fantastic clean vocals. Unlike the earlier Emperor material such as In the Nightside Eclipse and Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, Ihsahn's vocals are upfront on The Adversary as with Peccatum. Not to say the guitar work is subdued here, but the vocals are certainly not behind the guitars as on his early works. Though all Emperor material is more violent and wicked than this disc, The Adversary is by far his most progressive work. Never before did he explore more creative rhyhmic tangents, blending a multitude of vocal and musical styles, and providing such intense vocal harmonies.



It is impossible not to mention Emperor when reviewing The Adversary. After all, the songwriter of both this band and solo record is the same musical soul. Those who are disappointed with this album are the ones who were expecting him to break new ground and re-invent the wheel. I doubt that was Ihsahn's goal upon writing these songs to begin with. The material presented here borrows from all of his musical phases. There are clear nods to his earlier Emperor material where crushing guitars blend with hypnotic keyboards and maniacal screams on "Invocation", a great album opener. The tremelo picking on this piece is nothing short of stellar, especially during the part they disappear under a soaring synth motif. Complete with enchanting acoustic passages and also Ihsahn's expressive clean voice, this is easily one of the album's best songs.



Besides the heavy and punishing material, there are also references to his past with Peccatum and Prometheus meets IX Equilibrium period Emperor as well as his main influences from way back. All of this is kept within a wide spectrum of avant-garde style progressive signature; thus calling the album merely "black metal" wouldn't do it justice. There is simply more to it. Remarkable diversity is achieved on the unexpectedly melodic "Called by the Fire", a song that sees Ihsahn paying a little tribute to the great King Diamond using his unique falsettos atop spattering cymbals and energetic guitar rhythms. This is arguably Ihsahn's most melodic vocal performance in his career, where each line becomes instantly memorable, as he alternates between layered clean harmonies and effective shrieks. There is a fantastic guitar solo in the climax of the piece as well. "Citizen" recalls Arcturus, for its use of non-standard metal ideas. Following fast, tremelo guitars and powerful blast beats from Asgeir Mickelson, Ihsahn delves into a beautiful piano solo before ripping screams are filtered through chunky guitar harmonies.



The guitar tone on the album is amazing. Though a bit dry from a production standpoint, it serves its purpose perfectly. On "Homecoming", sung by Ulver's Garm with his incredible mellow voice, the clean guitar riffs are indelible. The tone is thick and intense, surrounded by ominous keyboards and sporadic bass lines. This song is written to perfection and far more progressive than anything Ihsahn has written before. "Astera Ton Proinon" and the final track "Pain Is Still Mine" both boast classical explorations that recall the heavier parts of Peccatum, with the former being formulated by soothing acoustic guitars, choir effects, and vocals that change from calm, clean vocals to tortured screams. "Pain Is Still Mine", on the other hand, contains more elaborate piano work, with harrowing whispers and cinematic elements lending it a theatrical vibe, much like Arcturus' Sideshow Symphonies.



Spiral Architect's Asgeir Mickelson proves once again that he is Norway's best drummer. His fills on the Emperor-like "And He Shall Walk in Empty Places" add to the song's intensity, particularly because of Ihsahn's unusually brutal growls and screams. "Panem et Circenses" also offsets corrosive, blackened thrash parts a la Mercyful Fate, juxtaposing blazing classical synths and pulverizing fretwork. Both tracks are masterfully arranged and recorded.



One of the most creative and important names of 90's black metal, Emperor's Ihsahn, has released a more than satisfying first solo album, which, in many ways, is a testimony to his greatness. I am absolutely in awe with this disc. Most, if not all, Emperor fans should love this disc."