A bold and visionary statement from one of black metal’s most progressive minds, IX Equilibrium finds Emperor standing at the edge of their creative limits—and then leaping beyond. With this third full-length album, the Norwegian pioneers abandon the icy mysticism of In the Nightside Eclipse and the baroque majesty of Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk to embrace something altogether more chaotic, theatrical, and technically awe-inspiring.
Right from the explosive first seconds of “Curse You All Men!,” it’s clear that Emperor have reshaped their sonic identity. The production is punchy and immediate, offering greater clarity than past efforts, which allows the intricate layers of guitar and synth to come to life with newfound force. Ihsahn’s vocals are as sharp and commanding as ever, veering between venomous snarls and soaring, clean harmonies that flirt with power metal grandeur—particularly striking in tracks like “The Source of Icon E.”
Instrumentally, this album showcases Emperor at their most aggressive and precise. Trym’s drumming is nothing short of astonishing. His blast beats are executed with machine-like consistency, yet he also brings finesse and dynamism to slower or more nuanced passages. Songs like “Decrystallizing Reason” display his ability to push intensity without sacrificing detail, offering long stretches of frenetic rhythm that feel both violent and calculated.
Guitar-wise, IX Equilibrium is a marvel of contrapuntal writing. Ihsahn and Samoth play off each other with a strange yet meticulous synchronicity. Their riffing isn’t merely fast—it’s harmonically rich and unconventional, frequently weaving classical intervals and dissonance into structures that are both cerebral and savage. This is particularly evident in “An Elegy of Icaros,” which, while gentler in tone, may be the most structurally complex piece on the album. It’s reflective, melancholic, and deeply melodic, yet never loses sight of the band’s dark, majestic core.
What elevates IX Equilibrium beyond mere technical prowess is its audacious spirit. There’s a theatricality here, an almost operatic scope, that challenges black metal orthodoxy. Tracks don’t follow predictable paths—they twist, fragment, and evolve like miniature symphonies. “Nonus Aequilibrium” is a prime example: wild, unpredictable, and brimming with left-field turns, it’s a controlled chaos that somehow never loses its footing.
This record may have confused some fans upon its release, especially those expecting a repeat of Anthems. But time has vindicated IX Equilibrium as a pivotal moment in Emperor’s evolution. It’s a boundary-pushing work that refuses to conform, and in doing so, redefines what black metal can be.
Ambitious, aggressive, and unrelentingly creative, IX Equilibrium stands as a testament to Emperor’s fearlessness. It’s not just an album—it’s a monument to possibility.
