Trivium singer/guitarist Matthew Kiichi Heafy has released the first single from his Ibaraki project. “Tamashii No Houkai” features special guest Ihsahn of Emperor. Watch the video below.
“‘Tamashii No Houkai’ means ‘the breaking of the soul’ or ‘soul collapse,” Heafy said. “It’s a Japanese term that didn’t exist before, but one we forged to reflect the song’s meaning.”
Kiichi, who is of Japanese heritage, continued: “‘Tamashii No Houkai’ is co-written by Ihsahn—the legend behind Emperor and a musician who has been a longtime influence and mentor to so much that I do in music. The writing of this song was the turning point for Ibaraki—it summarized everything from the past, present and future of what I thought black metal was, is and could be.
“‘Tamashii No Houkai’ is the perfect summary and representation of everything that Ibaraki is … and will be.”
Ibaraki is the name of a Japanese demon taken from feudal legend.
Heafy’s exposure to Ihsahn’s solo work inspired the gradual craftsmanship that eventually became Ibaraki. It was also the beginning of a friendship and creative collaboration that compelled Ihsahn to take a leap of his own into a newfound role as producer on the project. While much of the material for Ibaraki was assembled over months and years—as much a songwriting process as an exchange of ideas between friends—it wasn’t until the pandemic that the space was created and the idea could flourish.
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