IHSAHN To Guest On Ex-NEVERMORE Guitarist’s New Solo Album

Former EMPEROR frontman Ihsahn (real name: Vegard Sverre Tveitan) will make a guest appearance on the sophomore solo album from ex-NEVERMORE guitarist Jeff Loomis. The CD, which is being produced by Aaron Smith (7 HORNS 7 EYES), is scheduled for release later in the year via Century Media Records.

Commented Loomis: “I know most of you are aware that Christine Rhoades is doing some vocals on my album. At first I thought she’d be the only guest singer on the record, but then this one song started coming together, it’s pretty brutal.

“I’ve always wanted to do really, really heavy music and after hearing this, both Aaron and myself thought we needed some crazy, sick singer on it. We just sat around tossing names out for a bit, nothing really was sticking and then Aaron says, ‘I got it…Ihsahn’ and it was one of those moments where you knew that was the answer all along, it just hadn’t been unlocked in your mind yet.

“Anyway, a few short emails back and forth and we had his vocal track in. It came out amazing. I can’t wait for you to hear it.

“Ihsahn, thanks again, it’s an honor to have you on my record.”

Other musicians who have recorded guest appearances on Loomis‘ new solo album include fellow axemen Marty Friedman (ex-MEGADETH), Tony Macalpine and Chris Poland (ex-MEGADETH).

After Jeff‘s departure from NEVERMORE and the release of his solo debut — 2008’s “Zero Order Phase” — fans have been craving a new album. With a number of influential musicians appearing on the upcoming release, Loomis is more than ready to deliver.

Jeff was the lead guitar player and main songwriter of NEVERMORE, a band that has certainly made its mark on modern music by forging a unique sound that fuses different forms of metal that has given birth to an authentic and very influential style. His solo CD, “Zero Order Phase”, took the #4 spot in a April 2009 Guitar World magazine’s readers’ poll in the “Best Shred Album Of The Year” category — a notable accomplishment when you consider the top three vote-getters, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Jeff has become one of his generation’s most recognizable guitarists and the source of many of the last decade’s best riffs.

Jeff‘s complex shredding has been a central part of the progressive power guitar scene since 1992 and is responsible for some of the most awe-inspiring riffs modern metal has ever heard. Nearly every aspiring musician who has been listening to metal for the past 10 years or so has undoubtedly had the pleasure of hearing Jeff Loomis‘ progressive and technically superior playing.

Loomis‘ first solo album, “Zero Order Phase”, was released in September 2008 through Century Media Records.