Shape-shifting progressive metal pioneer Ihsahn has released the first single “Spectre at the Feast” from his upcoming EP “Pharos,” out on September 11th via Candlelight Records. Featuring three original tracks, the EP also includes covers of PORTISHEAD‘s “Roads” and A-HA’s “Manhattan Skyline” (featuring Einar Solberg of LEPROUS).
Ihsahn, whose real name is Vegard Sverre Tveitan, told Metal Hammer about “Spectre At The Feast“: “It’s probably the most straightforward song on the EP. It’s got this almost pop-rock attitude. Lyrically, it’s kind of a fly-on-the-wall perspective on society — all the superficial, stupid things people turn into something meaningful when they’re not. It’s musing on when the façade will break.”
“Pharos” is another triumph for one of the proud initiators of black metal; this polymathic composer, who has already lent his iconoclastic spirit to rule-breaking bands and projects, has yet again woven intricate, sonic landscapes that cement his status as a true musical alchemist. Recorded at his home studio, with additional drums by Tobias Solbakk at Jukes Joint Studio, “Pharos” is musically and conceptually a reverse image to the EP “Telemark”, which came out on February 14th via Candlelight Records. That effort represented the heavier side of Ihsahn‘s music.
“‘Telemark‘ was everything that was close to my heart: basic guitar riffing, screaming vocals,” Ihsahn said. “I thought, ‘I need to do a sequel where I do the exact opposite’ — things that I don’t know how to do, explore sonic territory that I haven’t explored.”
“Pharos” EP track-listing:
- Losing Altitude
- Spectre At The Feast
- Pharos
- Roads (PORTISHEAD cover)
- Manhattan Skyline (A-HA cover, featuring Einar Solberg of LEPROUS)
“Pharos” can be pre-ordered here
