While this album isn't as great as Ihsahn's previous effort "After," he has still crafted a unique and diverse album with "Eremita." The overall style is extreme progressive metal, yet the black metal and jazz elements seen in his previous works are still present. If you enjoy Ihsahn's prior solo work then you should definitely give this a listen.
Though appropriately atmospheric and well-arranged, Eremita tries to exploit a creative formula that Ihsahn mostly tapped out with After - its bold compositions are unable to reach quite the same unconventional cohesion as its predecessor's. It would seem that Ihsahn's sound could use a new spice, much like the sax worked for After. But that's not to say this album lacks highlighs: the convoluted "The Eagle and the Snake" is one of his greatest achievements to date.
Easily the best Ihsahn yet, its consistent and just grabs you by the hairy ones, imagine Mars Volta, black metal and Opeth had a jazzy baby.... awesome!!
