Norwegian black metallers Emperor serve up quite an album in “Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk.” This truly unique masterpiece was first released in 1997, 3 years after the release of the genre defining “In the Nightside Eclipse”, but only a few weeks ago did I first lay my hands on it. Since then, it’s been spinning in my CD player at least 3 times a day. It’s that good (so good in fact that it goes as far as justifying the somewhat ludicrous claim from the band that “Emperor performs sophisticated black metal art only.”)

“Anthems…” mixes the hyperfast drum blasts and razor sharp riffing characteristic of black metal with interspersed slower passages and moody, atmospheric keyboards. This excellent (and oft copied in later years) blend contributes in creating some stunning imagery of war and nature in the listeners mind. The inclusion of clean chanted vocals aside from the standard black metal rasp further contribute in invoking the imagination of the listeners when it comes to visualising the music. “With Strength I Burn” is one track in which clean vocals are especially effectively used. The playing througout the album is top notch with some particularly amazing drumming courtesy of Trym Tordson. Also, Ihsahns keyboards and guitar playing are worthy of mention, even though his solo in “The Loss and Curse of Reverence” doesn\’t exactly come out right.

It is in the production (done by Ihsahn himself) where the albums main flaws are located. At times, the vocal track, which is extremely low in the mix, is buried completely beneath layer upon layer of chaotic guitars and keyboards. Especially the latter of these two comes across as far too loud, as well as sounding a bit cheesy.

Despite the small errors in “Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk”, it remains a very strong album which speaks volumes of Emperors excellent songwriting ability. Of all the orgasmic music contained on the disc, I think I’ll appoint “The Loss and Curse of Reverence” as my favourite.

Year Released: 1997
Label:
Related Link: Official Web-Empire of Emperor
Date Reviewed: 2003-12-23
Author: Goran