Stream Ihsahn’s New Jam “Wake”

Life moves fast: take a second to blink, then turn your head up and realize Ihsahn is about to release his SEVENTH solo album! Jeez. I jumped on board with AngL in 2008 and it’s been quite a ride since; the man is an exceptionally talented songwriter and guitarist and he’s not afraid to take risks, a very rare quality in today’s metal landscape.

On his latest single “Wake,” we tune in to a person very clearly in command of his musical identity: this song sounds like Ihsahn and only Ihsahn from note one. At just four-and-a-half minutes the song is of the more concise variety offered on AngL and After: I enjoyed the more experimental direction of Eremita and Das Seelenbrechen, but if I’m being honest I’m happy about the return to his older style here. There’s even some black metal-style riffing here, giving this one an especially old-school feel that even Emperor diehards should dig. And that guitar solo — MWAH!

Ámr comes out on May 4th via Candlelight and Spinefarm; pre-order here (U.S.) and here (Europe).