1999 and third album by one of the most important dark metal bands of all time! Eight tracks.
CD Reviews
An excellent and inspired album
phaylon | NY | 05/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I would have to say that metal these days is doing very well with a ridiculous amount of bands churning out one good CD after another. Emperor is one of the very best of these bands yet it is a shame that they probably never will receive the accolades they deserve so much. Their mastery over their art is apparant as they write music of a complex and rather technical nature that still manages to show raw power through it all and create a strong atmosphere of darkness. While one could argue the merits of their three albums for some time without ever deciding which one is the best I myself would have to say that IX Equilibrium deserves the honor. This could be, if for nothing else, the amazing songwriting (easily some of the best i've ever heard) and just how tight they can play (considering the nature of the music and the overall speed at which it is played, that is quite impressive). However to those looking for a band who are incredible musicians and songsmiths and whose music has no real fault then Emperor is the band you should be listening to."
Amazing.
P. Walczak | 04/16/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have no idea why people say this is Emperor's worst album. I have "In the Nightside Eclipse" and "Athems to the Welkin at Dusk" and "Prometheus"- and personally I think this is their best album. The production is so much better than in "In the Nightside Eclipse" and "Anthems to Welkin at Dusk". The music is very full and majestic...as it is in other Emperor albums also...but it just goes to show their touch has not been lost. Just overall it is very beautiful with much clearer production and some improved vocals. I highly recommend this album."
A different approach
P. Walczak | 01/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"emperor changed quite a bit. my first emperor album was "anthems" and i must say, i love the album, but it took me a long time to really get into it. this one is a lot heavier and intense, yet more accessible. it has a more classic thrash metal sound, and even has some amazing halford-like wails inserted into the mix. if you want a very hard hitting, yet enjoyable album, get this. you will not be dissappointed!"
Not Their Best, But...
prodigal eyelid | Miami | 02/27/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is still a great album overall. Personally, I'm not that huge a black metal fan, but Emperor is definitely a very solid band. Ihsahn has some of the best black metal vocals, and even though I've read some reviews about how his vocals suck on this album (his clean vocals I'm assuming), I think they are pretty good (and he barely uses them throughout the album). The overall musicianship and production is definitely a step up from their previous work, and the lyrics are very elegant/ poetic. Overall, this is a solid album and it deserves a listen."
Emperor's low point
aiylyn | Washington, Mi United States | 04/17/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Emperor's low point is still far better than most other metal pretenders. This band owned black metal. Yet it's hard for me to think of IX Equilibrium as more than a stepping stone, a transitional period, between the landmark Anthems and the ultra-progressive Prometheus. The guitar tone is very, very brittle. I really dig the operatic vocals, and the lyrics are as well-done as we've come to expect from Ihsahn. While being quite a good album on its own, this record does pale in comparison to both the one which preceded it and the one which follows it. Nonetheless, its good outweighs its bad, and it is worth your listening time."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1