Ihsahn, best known as the frontman of pioneering Norwegian black metal band Emperor, has released a new self-titled solo album that he describes as his most definitive and complex work to date. Speaking to Prog magazine, the musician reflects on how his sound has moved steadily away from black metal's raw, aggressive roots towards something more progressive, symphonic and cinematic, a trajectory he says has been consistent throughout his career even as the wider genre's evolution puzzles him.

The 48-year-old grew up on an isolated farm in rural Notodden, Norway, where a lack of neighbouring children pushed him towards music, teaching himself guitar, piano and electric organ while drawing on influences ranging from Iron Maiden and Twisted Sister to film composers Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams. Since stepping out from Emperor to record under his own name from 2006 onwards, he has released eight solo albums, with this latest self-titled effort deliberately distilling what he considers the core elements of his sound: black metal vocals, dual guitars and orchestral flourishes.