Ihsahn's sophmore effort "angL" (Angl - Ihsahn)

Member Name: Kalmaholic

Product:	Angl - Ihsahn
Date:	25/08/08 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Classical influences, picks up from where the last album left off.

Disadvantages: Small sounds that don't seem like to belong in place, but that's what makes the sound complete.

The sophomore album to Ihsahn's solo project kicks off right from where The Adversary left off. The first track "Misanthrope" kicks in with the constant heavy hitting drums, and guitar riffs, and shrilling screams of Ihsahn. Not only do we see his signature screams, but also a lot of his true talent in his singing. Such as in the second track "Scarab" which has many well placed transitions, and is a quite a highlight on this album truly showing the art of progressive black metal. The many classical influences that showed in The Adversary, are still here in this album, along with a special guest front man of Opeth: Mikael Åkerfeldt.

Mikael and Ihsahn worked on the track "Unhealer" together which is a heavy black metal duet that is somewhat of a unique track. Just think of Opeth & Emperor mixed in together, quite a unique sound to me. As for the rest of the album I couldn't ask for more, the work done here is beautiful. The addition of synth keys placed so well, and the transitions just seem so perfect. The first 3 tracks are done so well, and it only gets better with the other 6 too. If you enjoy listening to black metal, and progressive music I highly recommend checking this album out.

Track Listing:

1. Misanthrope
2. Scarab
3. Unhealer
4. Emancipation
5. Malediction
6. Alchemist
7. Elevator
8. Threnody
9. Monolith

Summary: Ihsahn - angL