IHSAHN: 'After' First-Week Sales Revealed

February 3, 2010

"After", the new studio album from former EMPEROR vocalist/guitarist Ihsahn, sold around 900 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 31 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"After" is available for streaming in its entirety on Plugd. It can be accessed at this location.

Plugd is a promotional tool that allows artists to share their music in exchange for digital word of mouth (i.e., a Facebook status update and/or tweet). The first track is available to stream with no stipulations, but in order to hear more, fans must let the band know what they think of the song by writing a comment or giving the track a rating from 1-5. Comments and ratings will serve as Facebook and/or Twitter posts for all of their friends to see.

"After" was released on January 26 via Candlelight Records.

An e-card for the CD can be accessed at this location.

Recorded during the first half of 2009, "After" completes the musician’s planned trilogy of initial recordings. The CD showcases the Norwegian icon with drummer Asgeir Mickelson (SPIRAL ARCHITECT),bassist Lars K. Norberg (SPIRAL ARCHITECT),and saxophonist Jorgen Munkeby (SHINING).

"This is my first album written with eight-string guitars as basis which has been both challenging and inspiring," Ihsahn states about the creative process. "I also decided early on that I wanted to mix this album with Jens Bogren (OPETH, KATATONIA) and recorded the album with that in mind. Asgeir and Lars have again delivered superb performances. I've always wanted to implement the saxophone in my music; Jorgen's contributions truly added a silver lining to the album."

Recorded at Ihsahn's own Symphonique Studio, with additional work at Toproom Studio (co-engineered by Borge Finstad),"After" was meticulously laid out over an eight-month period. The intensity of the project has more than paid off with early listenings already proclaiming it to be the most poignant creations of his solo efforts. "I have felt more confident and more at ease with the material," relays Ihsahn. "In letting the songs themselves lead the way I just followed the natural impulses."

"After" track listing:

01. The Barren Lands
02. A Grave Inversed
03. After
04. Frozen Lakes On Mars
05. Undercurrent
06. Austere
07. Heavens Black Sea
08. On The Shores

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