Àmr
Ihsahn · 2018
43 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal
A haunting fusion of progressive metal and symphonic elements, laced with introspective lyricism and intricate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lend Me the Eyes of Millennia — Opening the album with an expansive soundscape, this track sets the tone with its intricate guitar work and philosophical lyrics that invite deep reflection.
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One Less Enemy — This track combines aggressive riffs with melodic passages, showcasing Ihsahn's ability to balance harshness and beauty while addressing themes of conflict and resolution.
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Where You Are Lost and I Belong — With its somber atmosphere and poignant lyrics about searching for connection, this song encapsulates the album's introspective core and emotional weight.
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Twin Black Angels — This piece features a striking interplay between clean and harsh vocals, illustrating Ihsahn's unique approach to narrative within his music while maintaining a darkly atmospheric sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Àmr showcases intricate compositions and a blend of genres, appealing to both progressive and metal audiences.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, blending metal riffs with symphonic arrangements that enhance the atmospheric quality.
- The lyrical themes explore existential and introspective concepts, often delivered with varied vocal styles ranging from clean singing to harsh growls.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflections
- haunting emotional explorations
- thoughtful listening in order
- existential themes for deep thinkers
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Àmr is Ihsahn's fifth solo album, following his 2016 release, Arktis. By this point in his career, he had established himself as a significant figure in the progressive metal scene, building on his legacy from his work with Emperor while exploring more personal and experimental themes in his music.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Sámr
The narrative shifts from introspection to addressing an external force reveals a deeper layer of conflict within the self.
This shift not only adds complexity to the emotional landscape but also highlights Ihsahn's skill in weaving personal struggles with broader existential themes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lend Me the Eyes of Millennia 5:48
- 2 Arcana Imperii 4:53
- 3 Sámr 5:27
- 4 One Less Enemy 5:18
- 5 Where You Are Lost and I Belong 5:13
- 6 In Rites of Passage 4:04
- 7 Marble Soul 4:04
- 8 Twin Black Angels 4:40
- 9 Wake 4:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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