Description
Emperor / Enslaved – Emperor / Hordanes Land – Cassette
Emperor’s Hordanes Land, released in 1993 as part of a split album with Enslaved on Candlelight Records, is a foundational release in the history of Norwegian black metal. This EP showcases the early sound and artistic vision of Emperor, a band that would go on to become one of the most iconic acts in the genre. With a raw yet epic sound, Hordanes Land captures the spirit of black metal’s early 1990s second wave while hinting at the symphonic elements that would define Emperor’s later work.
Hordanes Land presents a sound rooted in the icy and raw aesthetics of early black metal, characterized by tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast-beat drumming, and harsh, raspy vocals. However, Emperor distinguishes themselves even in this early stage by incorporating atmospheric keyboards and ambitious song structures. This fusion of aggression and grandeur sets the stage for the more sophisticated symphonic black metal they would develop on subsequent releases like In the Nightside Eclipse (1994).
Hordanes Land delves into dark and esoteric subjects, including mythology, nature, and existential philosophy. The lyrics align with black metal’s typical exploration of darkness and mysticism, invoking a sense of ancient and otherworldly grandeur.
‘I Am the Black Wizards’ – A towering black metal anthem that would later be re-recorded for In the Nightside Eclipse. This version highlights the raw, untamed energy of the band’s early days.
‘Wrath of the Tyrant’ – Another signature track from Emperor’s early era, blending blistering aggression with a darkly melodic undertone.
‘Night of the Graveless Souls’ – A relentless onslaught of fury and chaos, representing the harsher edge of Emperor’s sound.
While the EP contains only a handful of tracks, their length and complexity give the release a weight and significance comparable to a full album. Each track stands as a testament to Emperor’s ability to merge intensity with atmosphere, a skill that would become their trademark.
The recording quality of Hordanes Land is raw, reflecting the DIY ethos of the black metal scene at the time. Recorded at Grieghallen Studios, the production captures the cold and atmospheric essence of the music, favoring an unpolished aesthetic that complements the dark themes. The use of keyboards, while not as prominent as on later releases, provides a haunting backdrop, enhancing the otherworldly aura of the music.
Hordanes Land is often cited as a seminal work in black metal, helping to define the sound and vision of the genre’s second wave. Emperor’s contribution to the split with Enslaved set them apart from many of their contemporaries, as they demonstrated a commitment to both aggression and innovation. The release laid the groundwork for their transition into symphonic black metal, a subgenre they would come to epitomize.
The track ‘I Am the Black Wizards’ in particular has achieved legendary status, becoming a staple of Emperor’s live performances and a defining anthem of the black metal genre. The EP’s raw energy and grandiose ambitions have made it an enduring favorite among fans and a crucial piece of Emperor’s storied discography.
Hordanes Land is essential listening for fans of early black metal pioneers such as Darkthrone, Mayhem, and Immortal, as well as those interested in the development of symphonic black metal. It is a compelling entry point into Emperor’s music, offering a glimpse of the band’s raw beginnings before they reached the genre-defining heights of their later albums.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Relativity Records
Track Listing
1. I Am The Black Wizards / Wrath Of The Tyrant / Night Of The Graveless Souls
2. Cosmic Keys To My Creations & Times
3. Slaget I Kogen Bortenfor / -Epilog / Slaget
4. Allfgor Ooinn
5. Balfgr
6. Andi Fara
7. Prologr
8. Balfgr
9. Andi Fara
10. Prologr
