I have premiered more songs on Bloody-Disgusting over the years than I can remember. From synth to metal and everything in between (as well as in other directions), I have brought music that either I love or that I think some of you will really enjoy. Today, I bring you a mixture of both.

I am beyond excited to bring you an exclusive first listen to Ihsahn‘s “Celestial Violence”, which comes from his upcoming sixth solo album Arkits (Candlelight/Spinefarm).

Related: Ihsahn Talks ‘Arktis’, The Emperor Vinyl Boxset, and More (Interview)

The track, which features guest vocals from Einar Solberg of Leprous, is absolutely breathtaking. Opening with soft piano chords, Solberg enters with a hushed, almost aching tone, pleading, “Stay/And I will turn these unforgiving words into a star/Stay/This scenery would change if we could watch it from afar.” His voice gently cracks, as though he is on the verge of tears and full of raw emotion. Suddenly, the song explodes, distorted guitars, thunderous drums, and swelling strings erupting forth as Ihsahn roars the song’s title. After the chorus, the song comes back down but this time there is a strength, a confidence, that wasn’t there before. Solberg sings as though he has planted his feet and stands tall. The final chorus sees both Solberg and Ihsahn trading lines, playing off of each other in a battle of yearning versus rage.

Richly dynamic and heartbreakingly beautiful, “Celestial Violence” is the type of song that proves metal can be art, that heaviness doesn’t mean ugly. I don’t do this often but I beg you to give this song your full attention. Stop whatever you’re doing and really, truly listen. I’ve played this song more times than I can count and it still hits me just as hard as the first time I heard it. It is further proof that Ihsahn is one of the most innovative and brilliant songwriters of the genre.

Arktis comes out this Friday. You can pre-order your copy via iTunes or through Omerch.

Ihsahn online:

Official Website

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