Anyone talking shit about Leviathan can suck a dick, because the whole of that band's output dwarfs just about every band aside from the absolute classics. It's easily some of the best of the genre, and without a doubt in the top post-2000 BM bands.
Regarding Emperor, I think anyone who can tolerate lo-fi BM should absolutely check out Wrath Of The Tyrant. It's seriously underrated, especially considering how well known the band is. So many people will blab on about Anthems, when it's merely a very good album. The ITNE album and earlier are where it's at. WotT/Emperor is a great cd to pick up.