Emperor – “Ix Equilibrium”
It is almost ridiculous trying to explain with words what this actually sounds like. This is of course, getting classified as “black metal” (and Emperor would have to sell out completely before they really shake that “label”), but this is not black metal. It has a black metal musical foundation, but you also get a symphonic sound of atmosphere, crystal-clear guitar-driven-marching music, great riffs, nice “lead” work, and all sorts of vocals, from a low-end death metal voice, to a high-end (yes, like Judas Priest, okay?) vocal approach, and even a monk-chant type approach. Complex is a pretty good description, and this release can not be understood with one listen. Finally, this is different, naturally, than “In the Nightside Eclipse”, but somehow this release is no surprise. This is more like a progression, top quality metal!