WSCA 106.1 FM's "Black Night Meditations" recently conducted an interview with former EMPEROR vocalist/guitarist Ihsahn. You can now listen to the chat using the audio player below.

"Black Night Meditations" is a four-hour metal show focusing on black, death, thrash, folk, shred, prog and power metal. The program is broadcast every Tuesday night at 10 p.m. EST on WSCA 106.1 FM in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

For more information, go to www.blacknightmeditations.com.

"Eremita", the fourth album from Ihsahn, was released on June 19 in North America (one day earlier in Europe) via Candlelight Records. The CD was recorded and produced at Telemark's Ivory Shoulder Studios, with additional tracking completed at Notodden's Juke Joint Studio and Seattle's Envisage Audio. The effort was mixed by Jens Bogren (OPETH) at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden. Alongside Ihsahn, the album features performances from drummer Tobias Ornes Andersen (LEPROUS), saxophonist Jørgen Munkeby (Norway's SHINING), guitarist Jeff Loomis (ex-NEVERMORE), and vocalists Devin Townsend, Einar Solberg (LEPROUS), and Heidi S. Tveitan (STAROFASH). The album's packaging was created by award-winning Spanish designer Ritxi Ostariz.

"Eremita" begins a new musical chapter for the highly regarded musician; his previous album, "After", forming the final part of a planned trilogy on its release in early 2010. Offering nine new songs to his growing worldwide audience, "Eremita" is the longest and most spirited of Ihsahn's solo recordings.

Reflecting on the recording process, Ihsahn notes, "This is right where I want to be musically, with lots of room for dynamics and expressive variety. Tobias and Jørgen have really added to the organic vibe I was going for and have contributed to the overall feel with their fantastic musicianship. And to have Devin, Jeff, Einar and Heidi adding their special moments, I am very privileged to be able to work with such a talented group of people. I really feel this is some of my most inspired work yet."

Exhibiting Ihsahn's highly-trained guitar and keyboard skills, "Eremita" (Latin for "hermit") is a journey that is sure to find an expanded audience for the revered 36-year-old.

Guitar World senior editor Brad Angle says, "With 'Eremita', Ihsahn proves yet again that he is one of the most influential, progressive and enduring musicians to emerge out of the classic Norwegian black metal scene."

A special two-minute video preview of "Eremita", featuring audio segments from the record and exclusive footage filmed during the album's creation, is available below.

"Eremita" is available on standard CD and a limited edition deluxe digibook (featuring an exclusive bonus track).

"Eremita" track listing:

01. Arrival
02. The Paranoid
03. Introspection
04. The Eagle And The Snake
05. Catharsis
06. Something Out There
07. Grief
08. The Grave
09. Departure
10. Recollection(deluxe edition only)

Interview (audio):



"Eremita" teaser: