KERRANG The chances are you will only be reading this if you are already a fan of extreme metal. This is something of a tragedy because Emperor's fourth, and apparently final, album deserves to be heard by anyone and everyone who takes more than a passing interest in rock music. Beyond impressive, beyond essential, 'Prometheus...' is a truly staggering piece of work. It's not as if Emperor didn't pave the way with albums of comparable quality. This is the fourth consecutive time the Nordic trio have produced an album worthy of classic status - a rare achievement in any genre - but somehow this final chapter outstrips all that has gone before. The seminal, ground-breaking brilliance of 'In The Nightside Eclipse' (1994), the monstrously dark mastery of 'Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk' (1997) and the immaculate, metallic wizardry of 'IX Equilibrium' (1999) are all worthy of the highest praise, but none are quite as breathtaking as this. To call this a black metal record seems ridiculous: Emperor have long since transcended the limitations of their roots and have simply become the metal band of our time. Beginning with a typically elegant, harpsichord-led intro, 'The Eruption' then does exactly what it says on the tin. A stately, processional dirge gives way to a ferocious death metal riff and then all hell breaks loose in magnificently spastic fashion. As ever, it's more than apparent that Ihsahn, Samoth and Trym are incredible musicians, but as the listener is bombarded with one jaw-dropping musical twist after another, the sheer scale of Emperor's achievement comes into focus. Over 50 enthralling minutes and nine colossal tracks, every conceivable shade of the true metal spectrum makes an appearance; from the classic melodies and riffs of Priest, Maiden and Fate, through to the rhythmic invention and versatility of Meshuggah and Cryptopsy, to the overpowering ferocity of Slayer, the chilling discordance of Mayhem and beyond. The structural and melodic genius of Mozart, anyone? F**k yeah, that's here too. Full credit must go to Ihsahn, who composed this album in its entirety. The word 'genius' is bandied around far too readily these days, but in this instance no other description seems adequate. This is so far removed from the populist stupidities of pop-punk and nu-metal that it's embarrassing. Like Tool, only more so, Emperor are operating on a completely different level to their peers. In fact, they are utterly peerless. The depth of riches on offer here is nothing short of terrifying. Ihsahn is still only in his mid-20s and yet there is countless decades of music explored and regurgitated here. That's why this is so much more than the black metal album of the year. It's also more than merely the best metal album of the last 15 years. F**k it, let's be truthful, this is one of the best albums ever made. If you have to kill to hear it - which is unlikely but not beyond the realms of possibility if you live in, say, Mongolia - then consider yourself justified. Album
of the year? Oh for f**k's sake, you work it out! |
