Ten out of ten MetalSucks readers agree: Ihsahn is awesome! Proving that I am not completely delusional (ok, maybe a little), you all voted Ihsahn’s second solo album After as your collective favorite album of 2010. That same year I named it as my #2 favorite record of the year; despite all the shit you guys constantly throw at me in the comments, at least we agree on something.

So it should get you all very excitebike to know that Ihsahn is already working on a follow-up. Ex-Nevermore shredder Jeff Loomis announced Tuesday that Ihsahn was the latest in a star-studded cast of guests that have contributed to his forthcoming solo album, after which Ihsahn went on the record to share his jubilation as well, revealing a juicy little tidbit in the process:

I was both surprised and honored when Jeff asked me to sing on one of the songs for his upcoming album. He sent me a killer track, so it was easy to get inspiration for both words and vocal ideas, and I think it came out really well. Jeff is an amazing musician and I’m really looking forward to hearing the final album. Also, in the collaborative spirit, I got him to lay down a solo for my own new album.

Whoa, what, new album??? “Got him to lay down a solo,” as in it’s already done, signed, sealed and delivered??? Yowza! Nice of you to tell us about this new album beforehand, Ihsahn!

No but seriously, this is big news. After I got into After (ha), I went back and re-listened to angL, Ihsahn’s first second solo joint, and appreciated it on a whole new level. Here’s to hoping Album #3 #4 tops them both.

-VN