Reviewed by:
James TH, on march 11, 2009
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: To completely understand this albums sound, you have to begin from the very first track "Alsvartr (The Oath)" a guitar ballad that's catchy and clever, it almost makes you underestimate what is coming next. A flurry of guitar work flies in as track one leads right into two without much time to think. The album continues much like the first two tracks do, displaying an unprecedented way of creating an uncontrolled sense of anxiety to see what comes next. No two songs sound the same. For only their second album release professionally and recorded in the fall of 1996 with little recording equipment, Emperor have managed to marvel the metal world with a display of musicianship and coherence that will be remembered as a turning point in their career. For it's time, the sound and musicianship is spectacular. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Here we take a step into the unpredictable world of death metal lyrics. Alternating between his trademark growl and screech (that will later be copied by every other emerging black metal band out of Norway) Ihsan sets the bar high from the first to last track and manages to pull off a more than satisfactory array of talent. In addition, the tones in the vocal tracks are near perfect and in contrast to backing arrangement, volume never seems an issue. Lyrically, the band is known as the pioneer for the Norwegian black metal scene and their lyrics can boastfully represent that. Taking the listener on a journey through their underworld (there really is no other way of describing it), the lyrics bind together the basics of modern metal and the cleverness of old english and gothic lore. Truly remarkable. // 9
Impression: "Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk" was truly Emperor's first attempt at the beginning of a successful music career and without question, was a landmark in their rise as the masters of Norwegian Death Metal and it's genre. The album does lack the recording quality of the new century but as recalled from above, it lacks no sense of coherency and consistency throughout. Without a doubt, Emperor have proved themselves with this album, right down to the nines. Even the artwork and photography are something to marvel at. In addition, it's easy transition from track to track makes a heavy album sound much cleaner and less complex to process. If this album were stolen I would go out and buy it without hesitation (how couldn't I after praising it! ). Staggering to say the least. // 9
/ my profile 
Was this review helpful to you? 