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 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. Not necro yet not sweet.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/10/2004 14:36