AFTER

Ihsahn, formerly the lead singer of legendary Norwegian black metal band Emporer, has stated that After was the final album in a trilogy, the first two albums being the prior two releases, the first of his post-Emperor solo career. While the musical or lyrical connection between these albums is flimsy (perhaps nonexistent?), they did serve to prove that Ihsahn's musical ambitions were greater and more varied that what Emperor could have possibly supported within the confines of the Norwegian black metal scene. On After, Ihsahn showcased his ability to craft experimental and unconventional progressive death metal that was still relatively engaging and accessible.

On After, pain and sadness are pervasive. The periodic saxophone lead symbolizes both the soul's cry but also, given that its sax lead on a death metal album, the absolute absurdity of it all. Ihsahn may no longer be making black metal, but black metal still permeates his soul.