IHXHI – Unheeding Sun

RELEASE YEAR: 2026
BAND URL: https://ihxhi.bandcamp.com/album/unheeding-sun

The talented multi-instrumentalist L.R. Måløy (If Nothing Is, Dødheimsgard) teamed up with drummer Jens Noteng and vocalist Kjersti Marie Seiersten a while back, which resulted in the intriguing and musically adventurous prospect known as IHXHI. They released a self-titled EP last year, and just a few days ago the mysterious entity unleashed a second output, more specifically Unheeding Sun. As with Måløy’s other bands and outfits, what we are presented with here is utterly dense, experimental, and perfectly atmospheric material that weaves many different influences and musical traits together to stunning effect. The term “avantgarde” certainly applies here, and the diverse and delightfully unpredictable vocals that are all over the EP are utilized as proper instruments, thereby adding plenty of tense drama and theatricality to the two exploratory compositions in question.

“Unheeding Sun” and “In Afterglow,” are lengthy and sprawling affairs that traverse a broad spectrum of genres – not least modern black metal steeped in mournful reflection – and are as varied and expansive as the evocative song titles demand. Regn’s unique voice is a highlight of this release as is the feeling of yearning and despair contained within many of the riffs and melodies present on the disc. In many ways, the EP is a moody piece of work rich with the flavor of deep-seated melancholy, and I absolutely love how the two tracks evoke a dreadful feeling of grasping for something that is out of reach. In addition, the production of the opus brings all the nuances and layers to life yet retains a slightly murky edge, which is absolutely brilliant.  

The palpable sense of darkness and gloom that permeates every twist and turn of the songs is delivered with chilling precision, and despite the many shifts and left-field ideas that often abound, there is a mesmerizing quality and an introspective power to this dark and ruminative slice of magnificent post-black metal. A challenging listen, but one that rewards the effort.