Released 10 years ago
Arktis
Ihsahn · 2016
48 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal
A haunting blend of progressive and black metal, underscored by atmospheric textures and introspective lyrical themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mass Darkness — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of despair through its heavy riffs and dynamic shifts, showcasing Ihsahn's ability to merge aggression with melody.
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My Heart Is of the North — Combining evocative lyrics with an expansive soundscape, this song highlights Ihsahn's connection to nature and personal roots, revealing a more introspective side.
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Until I Too Dissolve — This track stands out for its haunting atmosphere and emotional depth, creating a poignant reflection on mortality and transformation that resonates throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Arktis showcases ambitious songwriting and varied vocal techniques, contributing to its strong appeal within progressive metal.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a track that features layered guitar harmonies and complex rhythms, establishing a dense atmosphere.
- Several tracks incorporate clean vocals alongside harsh screams, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
- The final track features an extended instrumental section that gradually builds in intensity before fading out, leaving a lingering sense of resolution.
- 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 progression
- chilling atmospheric soundscapes
- immersive headphone experience
- captivating emotional depth
- reflective moments of solitude
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Arktis is Ihsahn's fifth solo album, released after his critically acclaimed record, Das Seelenbrechen, in 2013. At this point in his career, he had firmly established himself as a pioneering figure in the progressive metal scene, further expanding his sound with this release while exploring complex themes of identity and existentialism.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Disassembled 5:02
- 2 Mass Darkness 3:52
- 3 My Heart Is of the North 4:43
- 4 South Winds 5:34
- 5 In the Vaults 4:09
- 6 Until I Too Dissolve 5:24
- 7 Pressure 6:04
- 8 Frail 3:39
- 9 Crooked Red Line 4:16
- 10 Celestial Violence 5:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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