Emperor - As the Shadows Rise

EMPEROR - As the Shadows Rise (NOCTURNAL ART - 7"EP 1994 / HAMMERHEART Records 12" 2014)

Hammerheart Records did some very good reissues lately, but this one is probably my favourite, even though it's only an EP, but what a cult EP it is! All in all, it's "As the Shadows Rise" from Emperor, which originally was putted out on a 7" vinyl by Nocturnal Art Productions in 1994. In 2014 HHR unleashed it on a 12", with all songs placed on side A and side B with Emperor logo etched on it. Additionally, it contains a CD housed in cardboard sleeve with the same EP. And the whole set was limited to 666 copies. How nice is that, right? I am glad that I got a copy for myself, because it sold out pretty fast and the prices on Discogs tripled since then. But I guess that's normal for the Discogs vultures. Who cares for them?

Three songs on "As the Shadows Rise" as exactly in the same vein as the fantastic "Emperor" MLP, which for me is the best thing, which Emperor has ever recorded. On this EP they went for three songs from "Wrath of the Tyrant" demo and re-recorded them in much better versions, with better production and arrangements. I love what they have done with them. Maybe some of these songs aren’t as good as those from "Emperor" or “In the Nightside Eclipse”, but it's still just a fantastic recording. I love how Emperor sounded at that time and how within that black metal harshness they managed to create a truly dark, mesmerizing and majestic atmosphere. These songs are still quite primitive, if you would compare them to "In the Nightside Eclipse" for instance, but that's never been a factor, which would determine whether black metal is good or not. Certainly though these songs sound better and are better performed when compared to their demo versions. Emperor added some keyboards here and there, so there's nice improvement from “Wrath of the Tyrant” and they really do make a difference in creating the majestic, obscure atmosphere. You can notice that especially in “The Ancient Queen”, which is a fantastic song, in my opinion. "Witches Sabbath" is also a brilliant song, very atmospheric, very dark, but with that cold, vicious grim black metal feel. Only "Lord of the Storms" is bit of a weaker and also different, but it’s fairly solid nonetheless.

All in all, we have here a killer EP and absolutely smashing reissue. Good job Hammerheart and very recommended piece of black wax for all collections.

Verdict: 95/100