Norway's Emancer are seasoned veterans on the European black metal scene with five albums under their belts now since forming in 1996. The band which is a trio is comprised of Mithrin (instruments, music and lyrics) and not one but two vocalists, Gorbag (main screaming) and Helstein (clean vocals & lyrics). Their most recent offering Twilight and Randomness sees them adopting more of a modern approach to melodic black metal by taking an almost progressive approach to their music.
The often complex arrangements are perfectly executed by main man Mithrin throughout, and while for the most part Twilight and Randomness is packed to the hilt with searing, tight sounding riffs and raging vocals, it's their ability to add other sounds and instruments into the mix which keeps things interesting. For example check out what sounds like a Hammond organ as it comes suddenly bursting through the savage riffage on the eight minute epic "Comfort Fix". Later on in the same song the band elects to color their sonic canvas further with some well placed electronic textures. The two minute "Twilight" is another excellent example as this instrumental relies largely on just a piano and some atmospheric keyboards to convey its subtle, melodic message. The songs which yield the most rewarding results on Twilight and Randomness are their lengthier ones. "Cunning Vital Guardian", "Dice Man", "The Rewarding Schemes" and "Winged Omniscience". These guys certainly know how to craft epics that are well thought out and full of interesting surprises.
If you've never heard of Emancer (I hadn't until now) then I'd definitely recommend you pick up a copy of Twilight and Randomness. The musical layers run pretty deep on these compositions and you'll appreciate their somewhat fresh approach. My only complaint is the front cover dice 'n wings logo, which absolutely sucks and doesn't even come close to accurately representing the potent music awaiting you within.
Track Listing
1) Randomness
2) Dice Man
3) The Beast Attacks
4) The Pointing Finger
5) Comfort Fix
6) Twilight
7) Cunning Vital Guardian
8) Moron
9) The Rewarding Schemes
10) Winged Omniscience
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