Sometimes you get a real surprise. This time it is IHSAHN who is providing that for me. If you do not know who this man is, you have NOT been following the Metal scene for decades. IHSAHN was and is the frontman and band leader of the iconic epic Black Metal band EMPEROR. One of those bands that have avoided to release a substandard album. in other words, they have always given the Black Metal public real gems for albums. The same goes for what IHSAHN does as a solo artist.

I will be the first to admit that I haven't followed his solo achievements up and until now. Is that regrettable? Well, judging on the music that I am hearing on his first solo release since, I would say yes, as "Fascination Street Sessions" is right up my alley. If this music was a woman, I would fancy it like mad, unable to get my boner to go down. This is as close to musical perfection as you can get, as far as I'm concerned.

First off, what the good man does vocally is outstanding. IHSAHN ranges from clean vocals, to Thrashy growl, Death Metal grunts all the way to Black Metal screams. While that on itself is quite a feat, the fact that he uses the right voice at the proper time makes it even more impressive. He really is a master in sensing and feeling which emotion needs to be used at the appropriate times.

But what really blows me away is the music on "Fascination Street Sessions". Bloody hell, this is almost out worldly good. No, it definitely is not like EMPEROR. This is a mix of the slower parts of OPETH with the heavier riffing of MASTODON, and to be more specific, during their "Once More Round The Sun" era. And you can sound like this combination to the best of your ability, if the songs don't live up to expectations, it will still disappoint. Just to set your mind at ease, there are no worries there at all, as the songs that are presented on "Fascination Street Sessions" are way above par. They are mint.

So, there you have it, another perfect record by another outstanding artist. The question you as reader will undoubtedly have is why I haven't given "Fascination Street Sessions" full marks? Quite simple, it is only an EP, lasting just over 13 minutes. I need more, I need my fix of IHSAHN brilliance to be expanded. If this is an addiction, I'll gladly submit to it.