Eremita
Ihsahn · 2012
52 min · 9 tracks · progressive metal
A haunting blend of progressive metal and atmospheric symphonics, Eremita explores themes of isolation and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Paranoid — This track exemplifies the album's exploration of psychological themes through complex arrangements and intense vocal delivery, showcasing Ihsahn's unique fusion of styles.
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Grief — At just over two minutes, this brief interlude captures raw emotion with minimal instrumentation, providing a poignant contrast to the album's heavier tracks.
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The Eagle and the Snake — This lengthy composition features intricate guitar work and shifting dynamics, serving as a centerpiece that encapsulates the album's thematic depth and musical complexity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Eremita showcases ambitious compositions and a blend of styles, marking a notable evolution in Ihsahn's artistry.
What we noticed
- The first track, 'Arrival', features a slow build with layered synths that create an atmospheric introduction before the heavier instrumentation kicks in.
- Several tracks incorporate clean vocals alongside harsh vocals, creating a dynamic contrast that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album's final track, 'Departure', concludes with a lengthy instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- deep existential theme exploration
- haunting atmosphere for reflection
- dynamic shifts in intensity
- patient unfolding of ideas
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone catchy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Eremita is Ihsahn's fourth solo album, following his 2008 release, After. At this point in his career, he had established himself as a significant figure in the extreme metal scene, moving further away from his black metal roots with an increasingly experimental sound.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Introspection
The verse shifts perspective to confront internal demons directly for the first time on the record.
This change in address highlights a deeper level of self-examination that contrasts with earlier tracks, emphasizing the theme of personal struggle.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Arrival 5:40
- 2 The Paranoid 4:43
- 3 Introspection 5:37
- 4 The Eagle and the Snake 8:47
- 5 Catharsis 4:50
- 6 Something out There 5:09
- 7 Grief 2:21
- 8 The Grave 8:18
- 9 Departure 7:07
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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