Of one of the worlds pioneering explorers, Shackleton’s story is an admirable one. Racing to the discovery of the North Pole. Owing to our pursuit of vested interests experimentation has become integrated in discovery. Previously achieving new heights with band Emperor the man essentially birthed a new sound in the oversaturated Black Metal aesthetic. Once again going against the grain the singer / songwriter shows us yet another facet to his limitless abstract ideals.
[tracklist]
- Dissassembled
- Mass Darkness
- My Heart Is Of The North
- South Winds
- In The Vault
- Until I Too Dissolve
- Pressure
- Frail
- Crooked Red Line
- Celestial Violence
[/tracklist][details]
[length]57:00[/length]
[record_label]Candlelight[/record_label]
[release_date]April 8th[/release_date]
[/details]
Whereas previous Das Seelenbrechen explored the more cacophonous of sounds Artkis makes melody its focal point. First single “Mass Darkness” brings the singer’s harsh, frost ridden vocals to the frontline. Followed shortly by the more progressive “My Heart is Of The North” bringing to mind a more visceral acid trip, creating soundscapes that are simultaneously bleak yet incredibly rich. Creating contrasts from the spaced out sections with the singers infamous vocals just as jarring can also lend to harmony.
Enlisting talents from the likes of Jørgen Munkeby for the saxophone driven “Caustic Red Line” questioning traditional values of metal once again the singer exceeds expectations with Arktis. Forging forward in the lines of the experimental Ihsahn consistently combines elements that should, in theory, cancel each other out yet instead enhance the subtle genre specific nuances. The banshee like squeals of “South Winds” coupled with the lingering electronic aesthetic make for not only a change on pace in the album but in the overall tone of the record itself. Contrasting to the eighties Paul Gilbert style glam rock of “Until I Too Dissolve” mixing contrasts fantastically ensuring tracks are differential rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.Not to mention Jens Bogren once again takes the crown with beautiful mix in the album ensuring that each section has its say. Rather than spoilt drums or guitar hogging the spotlight.
The arid philosophical weight of Ihsahn’s lyrics once again hit home on “In The Vaults” with simplistic, formatted lyrics working into the blueprint perfectly. Put against the electro skronking “Frail”. Something innately primordial yet infinitely sophisticated lurks in the genius of Ihsahn. Returning once more, Leprous and previous band member Einar Solberg is enlisted for two initial “Dissassembled” and final “Celestial Violence” tracks bookend the album nicely. Working wonderfully the aural juxtaposition of Solberg’s hearty tones with Ihsahn’s rasps make for some fantastic points of difference. Fearless in his quest sonic difference the man has once again delivered an album that works with contrast and juxtaposition as its ally. Proving that our Shackleton of Metal once again forges tenaciously forwards on album number six Arktis.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Just as pioneering as ever Ihsahn’s Arktis is a bold statement of experimentation. Marrying inconsequential genres together to create a palpable, unique yet instantly distinguishable sound.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up a copy of the new album here!
