I Options

[Irysa]

Official Site | Fan Site | Myspace

Line-up:
Abbath (Olve Eikemo): Guitar and Vocals
Armagedda: Drums
Ice Dale (Arve Isdal): Guitar
T.C. King (Tom Cato Visnes): Bass

Demonaz (Harald Nævdal): Lyrics

To call "I" a Norwegian supergroup would be nothing short of an understatement: featuring members of mighty IMMORTAL, GORGOROTH, SAHG and ENSLAVED in their ranks, it comes as no surprise that the debut album "Between Two Worlds" (in stores November 3, 2006) takes us to the very roots of high-class metal and further.

With IMMORTAL having disbanded a few years back, the metal scene suffered a great loss. Not only did they spearhead the rise of brutal and epic Norwegian metal, but their live shows where second to none. Now frontman Abbath has assembled his troops and kicks back with a debut album that picks up where IMMORTAL left off, but with a new edge. With classic riffs, monumental choruses and epic arrangements, "Between Two Worlds" has arrived to set the metal world on fire!

The obvious hints at the legendary BATHORY (just check out "Far Beyond The Quiet") are meant as a tribute to the deceased mastermind Quorthon: it was written in honor to the highly influential Swedish cult act. Lyricist Demonaz (who won't appear onstage with "I") even points out having tried to write in Quorthon's style.

"I" have suceeded in truly combining the best of two worlds: a haunting and epic look at the past of Black Metal, fused with all the hatred and heaviness IMMORTAL are still standing for. Those who attended "I"'s sensational live debut at this year's "Hole In The Sky" festival in Bergen, Norway will certainly agree.

Discography:



Between Two Worlds
1. The Storm I Ride
2. Warriors
3. Between Two Worlds
4. Battalions
5. Mountains
6. Days Of North Winds
7. Far Beyond The Quiet
8. Cursed We Are

You can check out a few of their songs from their album on their myspace.

For people who are expecting it to be a tr00 kvlt black metal let me set it straight right now, that it is not. It is more like Motörhead meets Immortal's vocals, and lyrical themes. Metal archives call it Blackened Hevy Metal, many fans call it Black 'n' Roll. Take it either way.

I have heard the new album in its full length, and I have to say I'm very impressed. Abbath's vocals remain very similar to that of latest Immortal release. All the other elements are top notch, and frankly from the line-up you wouldn't expect anything else. The production is very good, and crisp. Each song manages to leave a good impression, and creates a nice epic atmosphere.

I would recommend this band to anyone who likes metal, even if you don't like Black Metal. It is a great band that combines some elements of Black Metal with more traditional structure of Heavy metal songs.