IHSAHN

Ihsahn trades in the brilliance of his avant-garde for an attempt to mix a mediocre film score with forgettable black metal. Neither impressive nor engaging. I bobbed my head exactly twice. The other times I shrugged. Sure, through the predicable melodies, there were a few good moments. Yet, I don't remember what they were. The intention was innovative. The execution unoriginal. Which is a shame. Ihsahn is and remains one of my favorite artists.

Read my review of “Charcoal Grace”

Charcoal Grace

From the first mundane melodies and generic rhythm riff to the last, one thing is clear: there's no originality on this recording. The singer's occassional venture outside his falsetto has some redeeming factors, but it's far too little to keep the songs from meandering. And when you get excited for a climax! … they bring a predictable arpeggio and vocals that won't make a VU meter move. The lyrics reminded me of a angsty teen would write in their secret notebook. Both Charcoal Grace IV: Give me Hell and Mute are engaging and are, as the rest, filler on the pile of conservative prog. Go listen to their In Contact instead.

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Battle Ballads Týr

Vault of Horrors Aborted

Fall Borknagar

Charcoal Grace Caligulas Horse

Return to the Kingdom of Fife Gloryhammer

I/O Peter Gabriel

Prometheus Emperor