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Eventually, there comes a time when the hype on a band becomes superfluous, and their status alone speaks volumes. Such is the case with Emperor, the black metal gods hailing from Telemark, Norway, who are without a doubt the most influential and respected band within their genre, having launched a scene that now threatens to burn its way out of the underground's charnel pit and engulf mainstream America in the blackest of flames. After boldly imprinting their name upon the States via a split record with Enslaved in 1994, the group redoubled their efforts and released their epic full-length debut album, In The Nightside Eclipse. A groundswell of support shot throughout the world in response to their epic blend of orchestrated yet innately talented black metal. Indeed, not only did the fans react with homicidal enthusiasm, but critics also took notice, as witnessed by the full-length features the band were granted within such esteemed magazines as SPIN, Metal Maniacs, Guitar World, Alternative Press, Pit, Metal Hammer, Pulse!, and countless others. As Alternative Press best summed up their handiwork: "this dense and ingenious album employs sweeping arrangements and synth to define the mythic loneliness, beauty and cruelty of black metal." Indeed, the four band members regard Emperor as an extension of their lives, and not simply a hobby, and their vehement beliefs ultimately resulted in some lawful entanglements. Although it served as a temporary setback to their forward momentum, they have since put this unfortunate business behind them and regrouped stronger than ever -- only drummer Bard Faust remains incarcerated, and his skills have been admirably matched for their new album courtesy of drummer Trym from Enslaved. The resulting effort, Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk, is one of epic savagery, not only beautiful but bestial in its wide-ranging scope; awash in atmosphere yet no less threatening to those of timid heart and vacuous mind. Long ago, Emperor conceded safety for the risks and rewards that go with andventurous undertaking without so much as a glance behind them...but they welcome all those daring enough to join them.
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