Even though the band's logo made me think that this was going to be a Hardcore or Metalcore release, when I noticed that these guys are from Norway I started being a bit suspicious. Let's not hide it, we know that most Norwegian bands take the Black Metal path and as it seems EMANCER is no exception.

The band was formed in 1996 under the name UTUMNO, releasing two demos. Then, the line up was Gorbag, Mithrin and X and the music was more into the old school Black Metal scene. Before releasing their debut album in 2001, the band changed its name to EMANCER. Since then, the band has released four more full-length albums (including Twilight And Randomness).

EMANCER's music may move on a Black Metal oriented field, but as it seems they didn't only change their name back then, but their musical direction, too. Their sound has become a bit more modern, yet remaining Black Metal, mixing the extremity of BM with the sound of bands like KEEP OF KALESSIN, NIHTERNNES, ENSLAVED... As you see, the Norwegian metallers have added some Progressive fragments to make the whole thing sound more unique than many average Black Metal bands out there that keep on playing the same things over and over again. The person responsible for the band's music is Mithrin, who is the band's mainman and from what I can see in this album, he is doing really well!

By no means I was amazed or something by EMANCER, but what I saw was a band full of great potential, talent and the strength to do many things. I guess that if these guys were working together and everyone's personal aesthetic was in it, the result would be way better. Check them out and you won't be disappointed.