Emperor

[Mantraschism]

Now who here likes this band?

My first album by them was their final one, 'Prometheus - The Discipline of Fire and Demise', and my first thought was that they were like Symphony X on speed (keep in mind, I did not listen to black metal then, and I had nothing with which to compare it). Since then I have gotten all of their albums (which are sadly few), and my favorite is now 'Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk'. There's something about this album's majesty and passion that moves me deeply.

Anyone else?

 

[Lil' Miss Mayhem]

I Lurve emperor..."Nightside Eclipse" is my fave but "Prometheus" is also a good album.

And I agree sadly the albums are few, this is because Sammoth (that is the guy's name right?) had a particular direction in mind for the band...apparently this didnt work out so they broke up.....i stand to be corrected though

 

[theodyssey]

Emperor is alright. Never felt strongly about them either way. I have prometheus and the best of double disc set, don't listen to either much. I am more a death metal guy myself however, so that may have something to do with it.

 

[Lil' Miss Mayhem]

I am more a death metal guy myself however, so that may have something to do with it.

Yup that may indeed have something to do with it..... I am more Black Metal...I have nothing against death metal...heck I even like power metal (Stratovarious excluded... )

 

[OfSinsAndShred]

Hm. Interesting. I've been thinking about checking out some black metal. What do you people who are more knowledgeable on this stuff recommend for a mostly power metal guy?

 

[sands of the seas]

Anthems is also my favourite. While Emperor may have few albums, i think it's better that they ended it when they did before they turned shitty. Prometheus was heading in that direction. Even though it has a few amazing tracks on there, about half of the album feels like it was put there to eat up time. Having said that "The Eruption", "In The Wordless Chamber", and especially "The Tongue of Fire" are among Emperor's best.

 

[PRauhala]

I have heard some songs of them. I like empty (the video particulary)

 

[Lil' Miss Mayhem]

OfSinAndShred: Setherial is a great swedish Black Metal Band. Or if u wanna get urself into the mainstream check out Burzum

If I were you I would check out the following bands (originally a power metal fiend myself): Sacrifist
Architechture of Aggression


These last 2 are not such well known bands, but they rawk! They are really cool...

On Power metal though: Who is your fave?

 

[-Gavin-]

I love them.



Wrath is a fantastic album

 

[dargormudshark]

Hm. Interesting. I've been thinking about checking out some black metal. What do you people who are more knowledgeable on this stuff recommend for a mostly power metal guy?

Well I know we both like Dimmu Borgir, therefore I know where you are. There is only one other black metal album I like...Dissection's Storm of the Lights Bane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Beelzebub]

Hm. Interesting. I've been thinking about checking out some black metal. What do you people who are more knowledgeable on this stuff recommend for a mostly power metal guy?

I am not too much of a black metal fan either; it has a tendency to put me to sleep. I don't find songs about sodomy and blasphemy to be all that great, either. I'd recommend Stormlord to you.

 

[Mantraschism]

Here are my recommendations:

Emperor
Weakling
Burzum
Mayhem
Borknagar (not really black metal though)
Vintersorg (same)
Leviathan (the San Francisco one-man band, not the Swedish Leviathan)
Draugar
Xasthur
Dissection
Darkthrone
Blut Aus Nord
Bathory
Mistigo Varggoth Darkestra
Funeral Mist
Deathspell Omega

Those are the ones that come to mind right now.

 

[Liquid Tension]

I like the Arcturus stuff that they did better but Emperor does have it's moments when you're in that kind of mood.

 

[DoktorShred]

The bassist from my band is a huge fan. I once drove to wales for a gig with him and listened to a whole album (cant remember which one) but despite engine noise and shit CD player quality i really enjoyed it. Very unique riffage.

 

[G-Master]

Hm. Interesting. I've been thinking about checking out some black metal. What do you people who are more knowledgeable on this stuff recommend for a mostly power metal guy?

Although they aren't really black metal, is Borknagar. Their entire catalogue is impressive, more so in their last three albums as they continue to experiment. Purchase "Quintessence", "Empericism", and their newly-released "Epic". The last two have a superb vocalist which goes by the name of Vintersorg, his vocal skills are a godsend. Asgeir Mickelson is also one of the best drummers out there right now. Also, Vintersorg has his own solo project entitled after his name. I would strongly recommend "Visions From the Spiral Generator" and "The Focusing Blur". Again, not technically black metal, but they have their ties to that genre.

My other recommendation, and perhaps my strongest, is Arcturus. These guys experiment more on one album than most do on three. They are constantly changing their sound from metal mixed with classical, trip hop, electronica, while retaining very prog nature. Despite the progressive elements they do not break out in many solos, but the overall skill of each musician is spectacular. And while his playing itself is outstanding, it is Sverd's compositional skills that are really to be appreciated. A reviewer on Amazon put it nicely: "The songs are very well structured, never feeling over-long or pointless, and benefit from repeated listens to fully absorb all the subtle details and intricacies therein."
This is a link to their official website, www.adastraenter.com/media.html click on the mp3 "Star-crossed" to hear for yourself. Sverd by the way is the pianist with great skill (his fingers dance about the keys effortlessly), the opening to this song is highly impressive. Any progressive fan should appreciate this unique band.

Enjoy man.

 

[Mantraschism]

Of course! How could I have forgotten Arcturus?
And also early Ulver (the first three).
And most importantly, I forgot IMMORTAL! Classic black metal band, even if they did get thrashier at the end (I love their later sound).

 

[ThePhilosopher]

Get the unholy trinity of Darkthrone albums- "A Blaze in the Northern Sky", "Under a Funeral Moon", and "Transylvanian Hunger" for some excellent black metal.

 

[arglebargle]

Hm. Interesting. I've been thinking about checking out some black metal. What do you people who are more knowledgeable on this stuff recommend for a mostly power metal guy?

If you're just getting into black metal, I'd suggest a melodic band like Borknagar. Good "stepping stone band", and their last two albums are sorta prog-black, so a Symphony X fan would have no trouble getting into them. There are even catchy choruses that would appeal to a power metal fan.

 

[arglebargle]

As for the topic, I think Prometheus is pure genius. Shame that the band broke up, but at least they exited with style. I also own Anthems and enjoy that as well.

 

[arglebargle]

Sins:

Prometheus would be another good choice; it's got a certain proggy symphonic vibe.