It is well executed, it is well produced, it is… not Emperor. In what the band alleges is their last album, the listener is treated to a sleekly produced guitar workshop hosted by Ihsahn- arpeggios, midi-driven trills, and unparalleled fretboard artistry saturate the songs at every turn. The problem is that it all proves to be anemic and meaningless. If ever there was proof of bargains with the Devil, “Prometheus” is it; Emperor has traded stellar musicianship in exchange for the passion and venom that made their early work so tirelessly transcendent and magical. After “IX Equilibrium” it would be unrealistic to hope for any kind of return to former glory, and in fairness this work outclasses the former in its bravery and ambition. The lingering problem is that this is a clearly personal endeavor for Ihsahn (Samoth gets the longest thanks list but is clearly peripheral in his contributions), and while I applaud him for insisting on doing what he wants in his music it will prove to be alienating to most of the older fans. The songs are all consistently indulgent and complicated which in some ways makes for an interesting spectacle, but it proves to be all brain and no heart. “Prometheus…” might stand up better were it not an afterthought to some of the best Black Metal output ever though by comparison, it is at best a rather clinical epitaph. Also, those who hate Ihsahn’s singing should avoid this one at all costs.

© 2000 w.s. diabolus