IHSAHN · After | WHITE/BLACK/RED SWIRL 2LP

White/red/black swirl double vinyl in gatefold cover, first released for Record Store Day.

Background information about 'After'

When Ihsahn unleashed "After" upon the world, it marked a seismic shift in the trajectory of extreme metal. This isn't just another black metal album – it's a masterclass in artistic evolution that sees the Emperor mastermind pushing boundaries into uncharted sonic territories. The album weaves together crushing black metal foundations with progressive rock sensibilities, creating something that feels both familiar and completely revolutionary. Tracks like "The Barren Lands" and "A Grave Inversed" showcase Ihsahn's ability to craft compositions that are as intellectually stimulating as they are emotionally devastating.

What makes "After" truly special is its fearless approach to experimentation. The incorporation of saxophone elements alongside traditional extreme metal instrumentation creates moments of pure brilliance that shouldn't work but absolutely do. Songs like "Frozen Lakes On Mars" and "Heaven's Black Sea" demonstrate a maturity in songwriting that only comes from years of pushing creative boundaries. This is progressive black metal at its absolute finest – challenging, rewarding, and utterly captivating from first listen to last.

For fans of:
Emperor, Opeth, Enslaved, Leprous, Arcturus, Borknagar

Track listing

A1. The Barren Lands
A2. A Grave Inversed
B3. After
B4. Frozen Lakes On Mars
C5. Undercurrent
C6. Austere
D7. Heaven's Black Sea
D8. On The Shores

Manufacturer: Play It Again Sam SPRL, 36-38 Rue Saint-Laurent, 1000 Bruessel, Belgium, Contact: pias.com