ICS Vortex: Storm Seeker – new album

Debut album by I.C.S. VORTEX, also known as Simen Hestnæs, also known as the guitarist and singer of LAMENTED SOULS, the bassist and vocalist of BORKNAGAR, vocalist of ARCTURUS and him who used to be the bassist and vocalist of DIMMU BORGIR - and the list of his accomplishments goes on and on - entitled ‘Storm Seeker’ will see its European release tomorrow, August 22nd, 2011, followed by North American release a day later, due to Century Media Records. The album, featuring appearances by Asgeir Mickelson (BORKNAGAR) on drums and Terje “Cyrus” Andersen (SUSPERIA, ex-DIMMU BORGIR) contributing some lead guitars, was recorded at Norwegian Toproom Studio with engineer Børge Finstad, mixed by Børge Finstad, Asgeir Mickelson and I.C.S. Vortex, and mastered by Peter in de Betou at Tailor Maid Studio, Sweden. Below you’ll find the opening track ‘The Blackmobile’ (“This song was written way back when I still felt black metal was dangerous. Now, totally untrue to all that, it’s a tribute to the only beast I ever loved,” commented the man) and its follower ‘Odin's Tree’. Buy the ‘Storm Seeker’ here (Europe) and here (North America).

“Inspiration is usually drawn from the things that are close to me,” [commented the musician]  “I always write in code, it’s often doom related, but never ever whiny. The power of the elements, obscure beauty, religion, death and junk are a few favorites. Knowing I am drawn to the power of the dark side, I decided to include lighter topics into the mix this time to separate ‘Storm Seeker’ from ‘Sideshow Symphonies’ [an album by ARCTURUS]: ‘The Blackmobile’ about Mopar [short for Motor Parts] and ‘Aces’ about gambling are the result. Love songs, really.”

Love seems to be the prevalent theme within the following press release as well:

“The dark waters of ICS VORTEX take you from the abyss to the raging waves and maroons you smiling somewhere in space. ‘Storm Seeker’ is no concept album, but the songs are linked by an “All in!” attitude, mixed with love and respect for the storms in man. The opening track ‘The Blackmobile’ combines the drive of raw black metal riffing with the total absence of grim vocals. When the vocal harmonies hit, you will nevertheless praise the beast… Not the evil-medieval one, but the horned ram on the panzer of a dodge! The ICS VORTEX wave pioneers on, song by song, adding references and styles as the horizon expands. From Shakespearian death to gambling and from cravings to downfall, ‘Storm Seeker’ is a gallows-humored epic tribute to the shabby demons of mankind. Commanding tracks like ‘Skoal!’, ‘Dogsmacked’, ‘Oil In Water’ or ‘Odin's Tree’ are a stylistic brew of tasty pagan ingredients in a dirty metal pot.”

ICS VORTEX features: Simen “ICS Vortex” Hestnæs – vocals, Asgeir Mickelson – drums, Terje “Cyrus” Andersen – guitars, Jens F. Ryland – guitars and Steinar “Azarak” Gundersen - bass

ICS VORTEX: The Blackmobile – courtesy of Century Media Records