The EMPEROR is dead, long live…? This question is unanswered for several years and with nearly no pre-warning BIBLEBLACK are releasing their debut album with strong bonds to the everlasting history of the Norwegian cult act. But their symphonic Black Metal is far more connected to the second EMPEROR phase – after the introduction of further Heavy Metal vibes into their style (pre “IX Equilibrium” era) – than the early roots of the band. The Swedish band has a very strong guitar front (ex band members of KING DIAMOND / CANDLEMASS and MEMORY GARDEN) and sometimes the DREAM THEATER illness is shining through – means excessive guitars are hunted by their supporting keyboards. The band is also working with several guest singers (mainly for the clear vocals) which give their music further variety but the main focus was a compact release and the album can offer several good approaches to the worn out genre. BIBLEBLACK are maybe not the next heir to the abandoned throne but “The Black Swan Epilogue” is a without doubt a more than solid debut. www.vicrecords.com, www.myspace.com/bibleblackofficial