Norwegian extreme metallers Emancer are back to introduce their 4th studio album. Even though based on black metal, the band are constantly widening their boundaries. Therefore "extreme metal" is much better title for the band's music.

Black metal side is smaller than ever before. 'The Menace Within' is more avant-grade, more futuristic-sounding piece of dark metal art. Emancer are easier to be approached than their well-known, avant-gardist countrymates such as Solefald, Arcturus and Ulver. 'The Menace Within' also sounds quite individual, even though I still can hear Limbonic Art and Lunaris influences. However, both blackish guitars and vocals have lost quite a lot of their bite heard on previous album 'Invisible' (2004). Maybe guitars are a tad silent in the mix, but also the riffs are too familiar at times. The vocals are about boring throaty outlet, and even when effected, are nothing special. The band aren't afraid of throwing some nice melodies in, so be warned, but this ain't something like "sugary" as yet. The music flows very well on its best, but some parts aren't able to rise my interest too much. Proggy parts, futuristic synths and even a bit of game music (yep, there's some Commodore 64 classic 'The Last Ninja 2' by Matt Gray on 'Disfigured Divinity'!!!) are Emancer trademarks, which liven up the album a lot. Do I really need to mention clean vocals?! They are okay, though. This is way too up-tempo at times to be called as black metal!

The band continue to record as 2-piece unit. Therefore the drums are programmed. Now they sound quite bloody good, even kick some ass, so it's clear that the programming wasn't done in a day. But machine's a machine. There's also awfully lot of synths, but generally done very well, at times reminding of Emperor. Generally, the sound is clear. Maybe due to this, 'The Menace Within' doesn't really hurt or maim. Lyrics are varying. 'Reclamation of Merciless January' is a tribute to Windir's Valfar. Also usual stuff such as suicidal thoughts and loss of individuality are used. The cover art is good this time around.

Maybe one for those who enjoy bastardized black metal. The band are adventurous and individuality is higher than on many a metal album released today (attention Code 666 roster fans!). If you're hunting down some necro black, forget this. I'm slowly getting into this album, but there's some parts I can't grab. At least not yet, but I believe there could be more that what I've found during these over 10 listening sessions.

Rating: 7- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
08/28/2005 17:37