Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk
Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk makes Emperor's ambitions especially convincing. The sound is clear enough to follow the busy arrangements while preserving their aggression. Guitars, keyboards and drums all have a clear role. The record impresses because those elements form strong compositions together, rather than simply because so much happens at once.
Al Svartr (The Oath) begins unexpectedly quietly. Clean guitars and a dark, gradually expanding atmosphere make the arrival of Ye Entrancemperium hit harder. Emperor immediately places the music under considerable pressure. The drums provide tremendous drive, but melodies and keyboards keep its direction recognisable.
Thus Spake The Nightspirit shows how effectively guitars and keyboards can support each other. The harsh voice sits within complicated interplay that still maintains clear movement. Emperor allows the orchestral side to grow without reducing the guitars to backing instruments. The parts exchange roles and strengthen one another.
With Strength I Burn provides the convincing centrepiece. Harsh passages, clean singing and slower sections all have a place within one extended composition. Its transitions feel purposeful. Those differences in vocal delivery and intensity make the whole more effective than an uninterrupted attack would be. The Wanderer then closes with a calmer instrumental movement.
The density remains demanding. Listeners seeking simple riffs and plenty of open space will find little rest here. The high, harsh singing will not draw everyone in immediately either. However, the clearer presentation makes the activity possible to follow. Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk holds its strength because musical control and strong ideas continually support each other. Grand black metal need not feel inflated, and Emperor demonstrates that at an exceptionally high level.
