EMPEROR frontman Ihsahn joins us on this week’s edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast
Ihsahn, the visionary frontman of EMPEROR, is set to unveil his highly anticipated self-titled album on February 16, 2024, through Candlelight Records. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of creative expressionism, this marks his eighth studio endeavor, promising to take listeners on a captivating journey through two distinct yet melodically interconnected versions of the same album: one metal and one fully symphonic. Both iterations merge seamlessly to craft a cinematically influenced masterpiece simply titled “Ihsahn.”
With “Ihsahn,” the Norwegian progressive metal maestro showcases his masterful control of rhythm and movement, demonstrating his prowess as both a songwriter and composer at its zenith. This ambitious project, conceived over three years, stands as a labyrinthine testament to his artistic vision, with its scale of ambition immediately palpable. Self-produced and meticulously scored, the metal version is mixed by Jens Bogren, while the orchestral rendition is mixed by Joel Dollié, with both versions mastered by Tony Lindgren. Ihsahn candidly acknowledges that the process tested his limits, commencing humbly with just a piano.
From the orchestral grandeur of the opening track “Cervus Venator,” whether diving into the metal or symphonic rendition first, the album’s epic and cinematic qualities are unmistakable. It stands as a magnum opus by any measure, encapsulating Ihsahn’s boundless capabilities as an artist. It’s a journey he eagerly invites his dedicated fans to embark upon.
Accompanying him on this musical odyssey are Tobias Ørnes Andersen and Tobias Solbakk on drums and percussion, with additional percussion contributed by Ihsahn‘s son Angell Solberg Tveitan, and violins by Chris Baum. Ritxi Ostariz lends his artistic touch to the album’s captivating artwork, complemented by promotional photography by Andy Ford.
Not content with solely crafting a dual-record, “Ihsahn” also boasts a conceptual narrative that underpins both versions—a pair of intertwined Wagnerian tales revolving around the traditional hero’s journey. While he remains reticent about revealing all, he exudes confidence that discerning listeners will uncover profound meaning through their dedicated exploration of the album.
During the podcast, Ihsahn discusses the creative process for the new album, the status of EMPEROR, the early days of Black Metal and so much more.
Tune in via the p[layer below or wherever you get your podcasts.