Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Emperor - Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise (2001)

After the often chaotic and confusing sound of 'IX Equilibrium', Emperor managed to somehow refine that style and make it more cohesive on their follow-up 'Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise'.  Gone was the "bashing pots n' pans" percussive sounds of what came to pass 2 years earlier and we now had a solid, much more relevant performance from Trym that compliments both the faster and progressive parts of the album as opposed to feeling like the drums were in competition with everything on the last full length.

I should say at this stage that like others on here, although 'IX Equilibrium' was no 'Anthems2...' I still found the album perfectly listenable.  I would go as far as to say I actually enjoyed it, but for me the 2001 offering just cemented the direction better.  'Prometheus...' has more tangible edges and boundaries that whilst obvious, never feel restrictive.

The symphonic elements dropped away a little to my ears and the album relies more than ever on those soaring guitar melodies and the fable telling style of the vocals to raise the music up to the familiar levels of the grandiose and magnificent that we had become accustomed to from Emperor.  The tracks also benefit from having a real feeling of flow about them.  Yes the pace and timing changes regularly but the songs are strong, the arrangements feel like engine parts working in unison in some kind of well-oiled machine.

The depth of clarity towards the end of 'The Tongue of Fire' is resplendent, as are the bold keys and horns of 'In The Wordless Chamber' which is a fine use of the symphonic elements that the band are so well known for.  They drive this track forward like they are galloping on the back of some giant steed.

Although in so many ways 'Prometheus...' is one of the more accessible Emperor albums sound wise, the pompous, lofty and imperious nature of it makes for quite a complex record to consume in one sitting.  It took me a good few listens before the whole thing really clicked with me (at least 20) but it was more than worth the effort.  Interspersed with the progressive elements at times are the jarring riffs of a Gorguts record.  Whilst still recognisable as blackened (at least around the edges), the vocals benefit from King Diamond-esque clean passages too.  'Prometheus...' is a real celebration of metal in general if you listen carefully enough.