Invisible

Another first contact with a band who have released two albums already. So you know what I'm going to write? How about "better late than never"? Yes, that's right, because this album is a good one.

Norwegian duo's roots lie in their homeland's black soil. On 'Invisible', they have evolved into various directions, but kept their one toe firmly in their national heritage. Black metal can be heard quite a lot during the album, being the leading contents. Simplistic Darkthrone or more sophisticated Satyricon style riffage, Limbonic Art style utilization of synthesizer mats for more epic feels and raspy black metal throat are the clearest evidences. Emancer don't invent anything new in black metal, but they do sound quite refreshing because of other things they mix with it, reminding me of the likes of Crest Of Darkness and Lunaris. Black metallers probably don't want to have or approve any of the additional bits. There are soundtrack-ish synth passages with various moods (Japanese Sigh come to my mind from some of these), electronic music, some minor prog rock stuff and what is basically traditional metal music (attention Code 666 roster fans!). Even after five listens I didn't remember much else than some cool parts from this 50-minute album and balanced between two possibilities: the songs are difficult with all their contents or then compositions suck. Soon after the fifth spin of the disc, I picked that first possibility, because the music is interesting and it flows naturally with all its ingredients and offers a good task for any listener. Better still, this has no filler material. Emancer perform extreme metal with a modern touch all around it.

Sound-wise this is modern, but still lacking in some levels. No signs of hailstorm necro black metal can be heard. Low end is there, so great. Guitars are powerful. Drums are, sadly, programmed, but I must admit that it's a job well done because it's quite powerful and not just copy/paste stuff. Anyway, it is not a right option for metal music. Emancer play live with a human drummer, so why did not they drag him in the studio to bash his kit? Vocals are usual black metal voice, but at least with wrath in them. Some clean vocal lines have been dropped around the album to spice it up, and no complaints about them. Lyrics are misanthropic (e.g. human stupidity, suicidal thoughts, hate for life, apocalypse) and really nothing too good. They are written in simplistic English.

But what is worse is the artwork. Just try to avoid it and check this album out, because under its ugly skin, there is some seriously good music. If not for black metallers, then for misanthropic breed who like adventurous black metal based music. Neither necro nor sweet.

(Originally written for ArchaicMetallurgy.com in 2004)

With "Invisible", Norway's Emancer have created an incredibly unique and fullfilling album. Everything about this album is impressive, from the stunning level of variation in the music and vocals, to the flawless production. This band surely is the archtype for progressive black metal.

Emancer consists of the duo of Mithrin and Gorbag, with the help of a few session musicians. Mithrin is obviously the genius behind this band, as he plays all of the instruments(except lead vocals), Writes all the music and lyrics, and even programs the drum machine. However, Gorbag is not without his contributions.

The vocals on this album consist mainly of tortured, black metal screams, which to me sound like a cross between Maniac(Mayhem) and Satyr(Satyricon). Gorbag's screams are counter balanced by the majestic clean singing of session vocalist Helstein. Together, these two vocalists create a unique team, giving the music added dimension. There are even spoken word vocals courtesy of Mithrin.

The music is as varied as black metal could be, evoking many different feelings in the listener. Songs easily switch between scathing black metal riffage, to mellow passages, and then back again. The guitars on this album are phenominal, as there is not a single dull or meaningless riff anywhere to be found. Session guitarist P.C. Grov also contributes some excellent solos to a few tracks. There are even some cool bass lines to be found. Keyboards also have much impact on the music, due to the frequent interplay with the guitars. There are even ambient keyboard sections to be found on this album. As for the drums, as I said earlier they are provided by a machine, but are programmed quite well, utilizing many diferent beats and also providing plenty of excellent fills.

This album is nearly perfect in my opinion. I've never heard a more varied and unique black metal album. This should please any fan of black metal, as well as fans of progressive metal.