No, Emperor didn't return to their style as it was on the debut, but who gives a damn anyway? If there is any person on this goddamn planet who isn't able to notice that the musicianship and the quality of the nine pieces of this album is the best that this band has ever produced, he deserves to die. It may take a lot of listening sessions to come to that conclusion, because "Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire and Demise" is sometimes even more complex than its predecessor, "IX Equilibrium". Still, the chaotic atmosphere of "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk" is much more present on the new album than on the latter.

Unlike 99% of the present black metal scene, Emperor doesn't feel the urge to constantly show their speed limits. The band, and especially batterist Trym, reaches top speed in only two songs. It still remains a black metal album though, so don't expect Emperor to have become sluggish; it's still quite a fast album, but Trym's variable drumming makes the album sound much more dynamic than most CDs.

The nine songs, which were all completely composed by vocalist/guitar player/bass player/keyboard player/mastermind Ihsahn, are all of even a greater level than "Curse you all men", my favourite piece of "IX Equilibrium". They are complex, yes, sometimes very complex, but always very, very atmospheric. They seemed to be composed with a rather classical approach, with complex guitar riffs interacting with different layers of synth. That is of course way more classical than Dimmu Borgir's rather coarse approach with simple riffs and the lack of any interaction with the orchestra parts.

All three band members have again grown as musicians. The new album is even more technical than its predecessor, though it's less clinical, which is of course a great improvement. Ihsahn's vocals have improved too. Especially his clean vocs are a lot better. He's still no Simen Hestnaes, but hey, who is?

For the second time, Emperor has entered the Akkerhaugen studios, which resulted in a clear and powerful sound. Only the snare drum sounds a bit strange, so it took some time for me to get used to it. Further nothing to complain about the sound.

The quality of the material presented on this album is without any doubt among the best I have ever heard. Due to its enormous complexity, both technical and emotional, it took me about five listening sessions before it really hit me, but when it did, it hit me really hard! I just couldn't stop thinking about the album for the rest of the day. It nearly ruined my evening, because I wanted to go home and listen to it again... and again. And still, when I listen to the new album, I doubt that any band will ever be able to achieve this level, never mind exceed it. Nothing, not even the best, can stand in comparison with this album. It all falls apart when compared to this masterpiece.

I must say that words are not enough to describe the feelings I get from this fourth Emperor album, which is more than just a milestone. It might be the best I have ever heard. I still don't dare to give it a score though, so if you really want to know what I think of it, just ask me in ten years. Until that time, lock yourself into your room and listen to this great album and drown yourself in tears of joy. 
 
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