This is Beyond Description...
HallofGods | Edgewater, NJ United States | 04/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an amazing document of Emperor and essential for fans and for anyone who wants an introduction to Emperor. What really struck me while listening to these songs and reminiscing about those years when I used to listen to Emperor day and night, is the quality of the songwriting. Emperor made some intricate, beautiful, multi-layered, soaring and frenetic black metal. You didn't know this before, you ask me? Of course I did, but its just that the production quality is so PERFECT on this album. You can hear every instrument in balance - the guitars aren't outshining the drums nor are the vocals "lost" amongst the chaos, and the drums don't outblast the guitars into oblivion. It's so perfectly in balance.
Also, there is no "haze" or necro "fuzz" that existed on the earliest recordings(esp Wrath of the Tyrant and In the Nightside Eclipse). Yes those recordings were "evil" and the necro stuff added real atmosphere. But now, it is just beyond description to hear everything and witness the amazing, trailblazing epics that Emperor authored so many years ago. I hate to say this because people will go KVLT on me - the recording sounds great and playing sounds so professional. In a good way.
Owners of Emperial Live Ceremony will remember that that album was nowhere near as good - at times Ihsahn tried to sing "clean" and was offtune and some of the playing was sloppy. In this live edition, not only has Ihsan's "clean" singing improved, but his "shriek" has gotten better too. And he has backing vocals for those parts where the original song had vocals layered.
In fact, I would go so far as to say this is one of the best live recordings I have ever heard (and I am not talking just about metal)! Don't even think twice about getting this. Then sit back with your headphones and let your mind soar to "THE MAJESTY OF THE NIGHT SKY!!"
Emperor is Dead. Long live EMPEROR!!!"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1