The Adversary

Ihsahn | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 18, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Candlelight
• ASIN: B000ERU572
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,941 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Adversary is the highly anticipated solo debut from former Emperor vocalist/lead guitarist Ihsahn. Recorded at Symphonique Studios in Norway the album already has metal media worldwide clamoring for a listen. All music and lyrics for The Adversaryhave been written and meticulously performed by Ihsahn with exception of drums, performed by Asgeir Mickelson (Borknagar, Spiral Architect). Candelight. 2006.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emperor + King Crimson = One of the best of 2006, May 17, 2006

By 

Sunshine the Werewolf (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adversary (Audio CD)

IHSAHN - The Adversary
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Truth is I've never really been a big Black Metal fan... Yet as I continue to explore music I keep coming across bands such as Enslaved or Arcturus, who though being progressive, are definitely footed in their Black Metal roots. Ihsahn (From the Emperor fame) is of no exception, combining black metal with progressive genius to craft what will likely be one of the top albums of 2006.

From the opening track `Invocation' I was immediately captivated by the blend of, furious black metal vocals, ambient keys, amazing guitars, a solid bass, and skillful drum work. The lulling symphonic breakdown midway through is a fantastic mood setting piece especially with the somber voice of Ihsahn crooning...
Now I won't bother going song for song but be aware that this sets a high standard for the rest of the album to follow... Luckily the rest of the album does not disappoint, each song is written to perfection, holding its own unique sound and style.

Ihsahn is an incredibly talented musician and an even more talented composer. He plays the instruments with the exception of the drum work with which is handled by the exceptionally talented, Asgeir Mickelson. The Guitar work is probably the finest I've heard in BM (just listen to the solo in, Called by the Fire), the keys are effective in their delivery and provide great atmosphere, the bass is a nice backdrop to the overall sound, and the drumming is just perfect, specially during the slower parts where he is given a chance to explore more creative rhythms. Last but certainly not least is Ihsahn's vocal range... from venomous shrieks to singing and everything in between. His range is overwhelming, transitioning perfectly between his various styles.

As a big King Crimson fan I can more than appreciate the progressive influences that show up throughout this CD, the blending of Metal and Progressive Rock truly is the greatest thing to happen to music in the last few decades. As long as artists like Ihsahn are unafraid to push the limits of music, there is no telling what amazing creations they will come up with next.

I would definitely recommend this album for those who enjoyed Enslaved's last few ventures, (Ruun, Isa and Below the Lights) and for the very few people who have heard of the amazing Norwegian band, Frantic Bleep.

Favorite Songs: Citizen, Homecoming, Will You Love Me Now?, and Invocation.
-5 Stars.

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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is not EMPEROR, April 28, 2006

By 

Corneille (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adversary (Audio CD)

Knowing all the works by Ihsahn from early "Thou shalt suffer", trough "Emperor" and finally "Peccatum", for me, "The Adversary" is better than all of his previous works. And I'm a huge Emperor fan, my fav Emperor album is Prometheus. Thus it took time to grow on me. I'm also a big Peccatum fan, especially "Lost in Reverie". The Adversary, blow me away instantly, at the first listen. It is a very simple and complex album at the same time. It's like a journey through an array of multiple metal style (black, prog, heavy, etc), that brought me back thirty years earlier, when I begin to listen to Judas Priest, Rush and then to Mercyful Fate, and so on 'til Black Metal. It makes me feel young. This is the best of the two world (Emperor and Peccatum) with a touch of his classical influence. His voice is wonderful, his guitar play is at the top. His talent as a composer has never been so evident. The last track is perhaps the best song I've heard in my life. This is sheer brilliance. Ihsahn is a genius.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best metal album of 2006, March 15, 2007

By 

Miss N. Thrope (Leftcoastfogland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Adversary (Audio CD)

The Adversary is a concept album that I can't help but think, is a project that has been cooking for a while, with Ihsahn performing nearly all the instruments and vocals. It is my understanding that he programmed all of the percussion before recording, and then invited drummer Asgeir Mickelson (Spiral Architect), to play as written.

The concept behind the album is that bad boy Lucifer, and Ihsahn incisively portrays the title role through nine tracks of inventive music, which explores almost every genre of extreme metal around. The vocals are front and center in the mix. This seems fitting to me, considering that the lyrics are all written in a first person narrative. I have to give a pass to the crisp and rather flat mix, since it seems to set the stage for exceptionally flawless musicianship. (If you play that well, who needs effects anyway, right?) Ihsahn provides all of the vocals with the exception of Garm of Ulver, who deftly croons along on the math-metal inspired, albeit mellow fourth track "Homecoming.

Ihsahn is an acrobatic vocalist, and uses his voice to full effect with harrowing snarls, low growls, wicked rasps, and most of all, kick [...] singing in multi layered harmonies with one of the most amazing vocal ranges I have ever heard. On one of my favorite tunes on this album, the first track "Invocation", he deftly displays one of the most expressive shrieks in black metal, with wonderful tremolo, and mellow, clean vocal bridge.

The second track, "Called by the Fire" has been referred to by others as the metal ballad of the year, and is very "old school" in its use of an absolutely classic heavy metal guitar solo and Iron Maiden-like power hook driven chorus. I don't usually care for the "King Diamond" style singing employed here, but it is not overused, and the song is so diverse, (and so much fun!), I find myself enjoying the style more than I normally would. The power metal influences are also in the mostly blackened eighth track "Will You Love Me Now?" as well as the majestic choruses of doom-infused "Astera Non Proinon". The black metal influences are throughout, but especially noticeable on the third track "Citizen", the sixth track "Panem et Circences" which features a very Opeth like guitar riff, and the blistering seventh track "And He Shall Walk in Empty Places" which display some very nice thrashy blast beats. The latter is the track that most reminds me of Ihsahn's past Emperor-era albums "Prometheus" and "Equilibrium", but I really cannot compare this album to past Emperor recordings, as it is a progression from that sound. Progressive it is.
The final track "The Pain is Still Mine" is orchestral, melodic and, in a large way, gothic. There is an almost rock opera mood to the piece, with grandiose operatic vocal styling and classically inspired piano introduction. My very favorite track on the album, it provides a perfect finish to this most original and completely cohesive works of musical art. My choice for best album of 2006.