This is Emperor's first (and long awaited LP) that was released in '94. It is also available in a new digitally re-mastered version with two bonus tracks. The album starts with a keyboard intro that blasts off into the first song which last's about 8 minutes (the longest one on this album). The whole album is in mid tempo beat with occasional fast parts, the music is very atmospheric, and the keyboard sound is usually dominating. There are no guitar solos at all, but a lot of great riffs. The vocals are the regular grim ripper screamy kind, with some normal vocals (which are usually in the spoken parts (not the singing) except for "Inno A Satana"). Sometimes though, the vocals are kind of weak compared to the other instruments...and another thing : you can tell that the lyrics were written before the music, and because of this, they sometimes don't fit the song structure. Even though I bought the re-mastered version, the production is still not good, and that's a shame because it can really damage the music of a band like Emperor. On the other hand, the strong elements of this album are : the music has a lot of feeling in it, and can take your mind into another world...the lyrics are more philosophic and smarter than the usual "hail satan hail satan"...all of the instruments are played very well, and the artwork and layout are pretty cool.

About the bonus tracks : both are covers. The first is an old Bathory song that last about 8 minutes, excellent solo in the end, and a whole battle feeling running though it. The second is a King Diamond cover, also nice even though I hate those high screams in it...

In my opinion this is an excellent album that sure is worth your money, and should be in every black metaller collection...songs like "I am the Black wizards" and "Inno a satana" justify it...

© 1999 undivine