The artist formerly known as Ihriel (a.k.a. Heidi S. Tveitan) resurfaces anew in the form of STAR OF ASH and convincingly shatters her ho-hum PECCATUM efforts. Iter.Viator. is a surprising DEAD CAN DANCE-esque gem of sparse sonicscapes interjected with hypnotizing beats and electronic ambience. From beginning to end, the album is a near-flawless musical journey that is artistically engaging and never drags its feet. Moods build and fall with grace, transitioning between delicate strings to classical-meets-jazz piano flair to ULVER-esque electronic/experimental stylings. Tveitan’s vocals are pleasantly tranquil, and fortunately, STAR OF ASH suits the she-devil’s vocal capabilities far better than her metal-adjacent projects. While STAR OF ASH is creatively spearheaded by Mrs. Tveitan, the influence of her hubby’s input is not unapparent. Elements of Mr. “Emperor” Tveitan’s style of orchestral composition and experimentalism (in the form of PECCATUM, THOU SHALT SUFFER, and the oddball EMPEROR tracks) seep heavily into Iter.Viator., while still allowing STAR OF ASH to maintain its own identity. Iter.Viator. is a post-black metal slam dunk and promises great things should this be a glimpse of what’s to come. (Jester Records/The End Records)