If you have been a longtime fan of the legend that is Emperor, then you are obviously familiar with what this band is all about. For all you virgins out there, all I can say is that you have been missing out on something special. Not only have you deprived yourselves of hearing some of the most influential music the black metal genre has to offer, this new album will be your last chance to experience fresh material from this legendary group of geniuses. Prometheus - The Discipline Of Fire & Demise is their fourth and final release as a band under the Emperor name. As sad as it will be to not have the pleasure of hearing another release from this band, I assure you they will be going out with style and with their integrity intact. Take a minute and think of all the bands out there that have released albums that you've called a "masterpiece" or "album of the year" just to follow it up with one or more sub-par efforts. I assure you again my friends, this band compromises with nothing and no one; they never have. I'm totally confident this entity could never go wrong with anything they touch, so any fears that you may have had can now be laid to rest. Prometheus starts out with a beautifully majestic keyboard section followed by layers of melodic guitar tones. Enhancing the soothing trance I found myself in was the sound of the drums slowly coming to life and I felt the magic instantaneously. Before I knew it, the patented chaotic sound this band is known for throttled me and I was on the floor begging for mercy. I have no idea what in the hell they spike the food and drink with over there in Norway, but I would pay a fortune for just a small taste. The formula stays the same throughout this masterpiece with extreme chord progressions underneath layer upon layer of melody coming from both the guitars and keyboards. Mixed in with all this are slower almost progressive moments that really prove how talented this band is. Although Ihsahn took on all of the song writing and production responsibilities, don't count his band mates out as just being guest musicians. These are talented individuals and without this lineup it would not be complete. With Samoth and Trym busy with their duties in Zyklon, he had no choice. Not that improvements have ever been needed, these guys have individually gotten better with each release. This is a truly magnificent album and is a must have for all listeners not warped by the hardcore/nu-metal bullshit. Farewell to the true kings of the Norwegian black metal scene. Favorite Track: The Prophet

Let me first just mention that I have an overall respect for Emperor. There was a time in my life not that long ago when things were all fucked up and naturally I found refuge within music. I remember picking up IX Equilibrium in the midst of my self pity only to be completely blown away by their musicianship. The distraction of such a powerful release was exactly what I needed. Don't even try and tell me you haven't been there. Just another example of the necessary need for metal. So to hear that Prometheus ­The Discipline of Fire & Demise would be Emperor's final release, truly saddened me. I cannot quite figure out the logic of this decision. As far as I am concerned Emperor would have a successful career for as long as they decided to make albums. There is no way that Zyklon could possibly pick up the slack. World ov Worms is solid but truly no comparison to the majestic barrage of Emperor. As far as Prometheus ­The Discipline of Fire & Demise, it is exactly what I would expect from an Emperor release. Punishing from the beginning to end. I guess I would not have expected any less from the masters of mayhem. To quote Emperor via their web site this is the release of their "final opus". Opus.......... Hmmmmm, now what the hell do you say after that, except..... I agree and I disagree. Let me explain, as far as opus damn right. As far as final, fuck no! Again I see no reason for these cats to wrap it up. Their music has always been streamlined with relevance. Therefore achieving substance, therefore justifying furthering a career, therefore still I wonder, what the fuck? In conclusion: Emperor have and always will be a band that will not disappoint. If you didn't notice by now I am still miffed as to why they are calling it a day. I only hope that future projects will be as close in comparison to the mayhem that is Emperor. Bottom Line: It's their final release, is it even a question if you need to buy this one?