Emperor - Scattered Ashes - A Decade Of Emperial Wrath (2003)

EMPEROR LYRICS
Scattered Ashes - A Decade Of Emperial Wrath (2003)

1. Curse You All Men
2. The Tongue of Fire
3. The Majesty of the Night Sky
4. Cosmic keys to my Creations and Times
5. Wrath of the Tyrant
6. The Loss and Curse of Reverence
7. An Elegy of Icaros
8. I am the Black Wizards
9. Thus Spake the Nightspirit
10. Ye Entrancemperium
11. In the Wordless Chamber
12. With Strenth I Burn
13. Inno a Satana
14. A Fine Day to Die
15. Aerie Descent
16. Cromlech
17. Gypsy
18. Funeral Fog
19. I Am
20. Sworn (Ulver remix)
21. Lord of the Storms
22. My Empire's Doom
23. Moon Over Kara-Shehr
24. The Ancient Queen
25. Witches' Sabbath
26. In Longing Spirit
27. Opus a Satana


1. Curse You All Men

[Originally released in 1999 on the album "IX Equilibrium".]

[Music: Ihsahn, Samoth.]
[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[4:41]

Curse you, all men
whose coil is strong.
I recognise the sparrows heart
beneath the theatre of misery.
Disbelivers shalt by dawn
be forced to forever mourn.

Curse you, all men
that resent my empire.
Cause I have risen again,
at war this time.

The truth I speak is your decease.
My word is your defeat.

And thou shalt not
be able to hide anymore.
The prophecy will conquer at last
Your sense of reality.

With mission to kill,
the theatre of misery.

He has risen again,
armed with the source of sin.
And as humans shalt fade,
he shalt inherit their strength.
Men of the damned,
you will reluctantly
secure His eternal victory.

Curse you, all men
whose coil is strong.
I recognise the sparrows heart
beneath the theatre of misery.
Disbelivers shalt by dawn
be forced to forever mourn.

The truth I speak is your decease.
My word is your defeat.

Yes, you are indeed the few.
I am the one.


2. The Tongue of Fire

[Originally released in 2001 on the album "Prometheus - The Discipline of Fire and Demise".]

[Music: Ihsahn.]
[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[7:10]

Teach me the tongue of fire,
so that I may set the world ablaze.
For it is cold,
and this blindness can no longer give me shelter.
Teach me the tongue of fire,
so that I may cry out loud my wrath
and my passion,
or else my coil will blister and decay.

[Guitar lead: Ihsahn]

The tongue of fire.

The soul is never silent,
but wordless, held imprisoned in a cursed tomb,
wherein reflections never fade, never die.
Slowly maddened by (the) emptiness.

[Guitar lead: Ihsahn]

Left to perish in the ever-dark coil.
Yet, always alert it its slumber.
Scorned by the drops of light
piercing through the surface,
and it screams.

The soul is never silent,
but wordless.

Teach me the tongue of fire,
so that I may set the world ablaze.
For it is cold,
and this blindness can no longer give me shelter.
Teach me the tongue of fire,
so that I may cry out loud my wrath
and my passion,
or else my coil will blister and decay.


3. The Majesty of the Night Sky

[Originally released in 1994 on the album "In the Nightside Eclipse".]

[Music: Ihsahn.]
[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[4:53]

Like the tide, shadows flow towards the shore of light.
The night comes whirling like a maelstrom.
Warring waves of crackling clouds embrace this nightside landscape.
The heavens bleed, through open wounds, the dim light of the Moon.
The winds are crying mournfully and tears fly with the gusts.
They whip my clenched faces freezing skin with ice-cold burning cuts.

Too long I have suffered the desert sands of time.
But as I drown in darkness it will release the sign.
My soul will leave this mortal coil of flesh and earthly life,
to fly into the mist of night, into the nightside eclipse,
and experience existence on the other side.

As a stone of scorching enthusiasm
I refract the reflecting surface of this unfathomable sea.
Growing circles of grief and pain slides across the land
as an omen of the horror yet to come.

The strength of a thousand fire-breathing demons
breed in my infernal, sinking soul.
And as I reach the surface once again
these powers are under my control.
Now I am one with the night sky majesty.


4. Cosmic keys to my Creations and Times

[Originally released in 1993 on the EP "Emperor".]

[Music: Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[Words: Mortiis.]
[6:21]

The heavens are lit by the stars
where years of secrets of universal forces lay hid.
They shine so bright, but yet
they have seen more evil than time itself.
Reflected in the deepless lakes
(they are drowning in black elements).

They are the planetary keys to unlimited wisdom
and power for the Emperor to obtain.
(They) being the gods of the wolves
whom upon they bark at night,

requesting their next victim in thirst of blood.
I enjoy those moments I may haunt with these beats of the night.

What kinds of beings are existing at the deeps of my lakes?
They surely must be of an evil race,
for no friendly thing can live
in such depressive waters.

(Here is also a planet similar to the Moon, but its phases is only one
and it is in its most powerful for all and ever...
There passes no light without the barking of the wolves.)

All these landscapes are timeless,
and this is all just a part of cosmos,
(but) all is mine and past and future is yet to discover...
Much have been discovered, but tomorrow
I will realise I existed before myself.

I will be reborn
before I die.

I will realise planets ages old,
created by a ruler with a crown of dragon claws,
arrived with a stargate...
a king among the wolves in the night...
An observer of the stars.

I will realise planets ages old,
created by a ruler with a crown of dragon claws,
arrived with a stargate...
a king among the wolves in the night...
An observer of the stars.

An observer of the stars.
An observer of the stars.


5. Wrath of the Tyrant

[Originally released in 1993 on the EP "Emperor".]

[Music: Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[Lyrics: Mortiis.]
[4:13]

The wolves bark with wind in summertime.
As the moon passes the shadows. It was a grim tale.
The wolves pry the limbs from the conquered ones.

Carnage consumes the emptiness.
Wait till my spirits come forth.
Violate all his chosen ones.
Drink the fires of death.

Carrying the deaths of his fallen warriors
deep inside of him, in his eyes.
Walk upon this Earth tonight,
carrying the staff of cold souls.

Appear the sign of evil will.

They appear, Death and Destruction,
to a time (when) the angel cries.
Open your eyes again now, he is here.
He is the master of fear.

He is the wind, He is the storm.
He is the woods, He is the roots.
Nobody will escape the wrath of the Tyrant.
Forever the Beast shall wander the Earth.


6. The Loss and Curse of Reverence

[Originally released in 1997 on the album "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk".]

[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[Music: Ihsahn & Samoth.]
[Arrangements: Samoth & Ihsahn.]
[6:09]

Memories of torment strikes me.
Attemps were made to suffocate me at birth.
Fools, I was already ancient.
Thou can not kill what breeds within Thee.

Alas, this agony, the emptiness of earthborn pride
hath stirred my faithful heart which guided me to darker paths.
Far away from their pestilent ways
cleansed was I from deceitful grace.

Yet, put to scorn was I
by those unclean.
Enslaved by ignorance
they blindly spat upon
the deity of hate.
Awake is the darkest fiend.

By the fallen one I shall arise.

Upon bewildered masses,
to whom the indulgence of my soul portray as sin made god,
I shall revile and quell the source
whence mockery of my kind derive.

This I know: Facile shalt my quest not come to pass.
Deathwish be my gift to all at last.

Honour. Commended no longer as virtue.
Yet, shalt be extolled by light's demise.

By the fallen one I shall arise.

Arise.

[Guitar lead.]

Believer,
speak not to me of justice,
for none have I ever seen.
By God, I shall give as I receive.
Betrayer,
speak not to me at all.
You and this world
ripped my fucking heart out.

Again... again... and again...
Again... and again...


7. An Elegy of Icaros

[Originally released in 1999 on the album "IX Equilibrium".]

[Music: Ihsahn.]
[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[6:39]

Icaros, I dare you.
For I possess the wings of faith.
Though, heavy on my shoulders,
no measurement can prove their weight.
Still, a burden are they not to me.
I am the challenger of gravity.

The fear is not the fate I seek.
My destiny will build upon
the mighty turbulence beyond.
And if I fall, I will rise... again.

Some of envy, some of fear,
admonish by the graves of those who fell.
Praise the fool that pure of heart
leaps off your finger into grace.

Icaros, your voice once melted
into the choir of the fallen ones.

I have heard, I have seen
the purity of their song.

Icaros, Icaros.

Icaros, your fate embrace
a manifold of angels.
I summon thee from shattered graves,
and call upon the wind.
Recieve my bow of reverence.
Then spread your wings
and fly into oblivion.


8. I am the Black Wizards

[Originally released in 1994 on the album "In the Nightside Eclipse".]

[Music: Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[Words: Mortiis.]
[6:00]

Mightiest am I,
but I am not alone in this cosmos of mine.
For the black hills consists of black souls,
souls that already dies one thousand deaths.
Behind the stone walls (of centuries) they breed their black art.
Boiling their spells in cauldrons of black gold.

Far up in the mountains,
where the rain fall not far,
yet the Sun cannot reach.
The wizards, my servants,

summon the souls of macrocosm.
No age will escape my wrath.
I travel through time and I return to the future.
I gather wisdom now lost.
I visit again the eternally ancient caves,
before a mighty Emperor thereupon came.
Watching the mortals "discovering" my chronicles, guarded
by the old demons, even unknown to me.

Once destroyed their souls are being summoned
to my timeless prison of hate.
It is delightful to feast upon the screaming souls
that were destroyed in my future.

How many wizards that serve me with evil, I know not.
My empires has no limits.

From the never ending mountains black, to the bottomless lakes.
I am the ruler and has been for eternities long.
I am them.

(I am them.)
(I am them.)

From the never ending mountains black, to the bottomless lakes.
I am the ruler and has been for eternities long.
My wizards are many, but their essence is mine.
Forever they are in the hills in their stone homes of grief.
Because I am the spirit of their existence.
I am them.

I am them.
I am them.


9. Thus Spake the Nightspirit

[Original recording originally released in 1997 on the album "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk".]
[This live recording orginally released in 2000 on the live album "Emperial Live Ceremony".]

[Lyrics, music and arrangements: Ihsahn.]
[4:19]

[This next one is from Anthems.
It's called "Thus Spake the Nightspirit".]

Close your eyes and gaze into
this realm that I reveal.
See where eternities are born.
Close your eyes, behold the powers
of the broken seal.
See the liars bound in thorns.

Fear
and you shall fall.
Weakness suffocates your will.
Dare,
yet never fail.
Wisdom guides the one,
the strong who can defy
Death.

[Guitar solo]

So I speak, though, am I heard...?
Wasting visions on a world of blinded fools.

Still I scorn
the vacant contradiction of life,
if only to bewilder.
The final truth shall speak my name.

Thus spake the nightspirit.

Nightspirit, spirit,
spirit, embrace my soul.
[Repeat]


10. Ye Entrancemperium

[Originally released in 1997 on the album "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk".]

[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[Music: Samoth & Ihsahn.]
[Arrangements: Samoth & Ihsahn.]
[Opening theme originally composed by Euronymous.]
[5:14]

Drawn towards these lands again.
Seeking death and sacred soil.
I ride the longing winds of my blackened soul,
growing stronger once I enter my empire beyond.

Emperium!
Behold my coming.

The fullmoon rise above me,
enlightening my realm in a silvery glow.
Yet the shadows crawl beneath my storming sky,
guarding treasures from forbidden light.

I still remember,
though ages ago it seems,
the first time I entered the gates,
the revelation of ritual death
by which I became divine.
Sacrifice of the life I had
among the flesh of the light.

And now I enter again.
Even stronger, yet amazed by what I see.
In ecstasy I mock the world.

Suddenly I memorize,
asking what I left behind.
Nothing.

Can I ever comprehend?
Will my longing ever end?
Never.

Drawn towards these lands again.
Seeking death and sacred soil.
I ride the longing winds of my blackened soul
eternally.


11. In the Wordless Chamber

[Originally released in 2001 on the album "Prometheus - The Discipline of Fire and Demise".]

[Music: Ihsahn.]
[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[5:12]

In the wordless chamber
they feared Death
desperately.
Thus they clustered
to the fruits of the Earth.
Craving diversion,
as if to avoid knowing why.

In the wordless chamber
they feared life
desperately.
Thus they proclaimed
any given truth
and swallowed,
as if to justify their fear.

He knew that there had been hordes of seers
before him who set out to cure.
Though, the sick wished not to part with their decease,
as if it made them feel alive.

In the wordless chamber
he accepted desperation
and the unpredictable manifestations
of hope.


12. With Strenth I Burn

[Originally released in 1997 on the album "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk".]

[Lyrical concept: Ihsahn & Samoth.]
[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[Music: Samoth & Ihsahn.]
[Arrangements: Samoth & Ihsahn.]
[8:17]

Deep Green Dark Chaos.
Blinded I run down these paths.
By heart I know them.
They lead to the soaring cliffs.
Stout they stand above the water's edge,
lifeless.

And this is my foundation:
Cold stone.
Formed only by winds and time.
How invulnerable,
lifeless.

Ahh... I have longed to be at one with this
Yet, the waters call my name

For once I wish to see
the entity behind the voice.
The face of this seduction,
the beauty of my pain.

Am I blessed or am I cursed by thy presence?
What is my crime, what is my deed?
Is this life my redemption?
Shall I repent or proceed?

I hate my flesh.
Its dimension poisoned my soul with doubt.
It made me question
the essence of the "I".
Slaves are those of this world
given freedom to lay chains upon The Master.
Master, master.

The wolf is no longer free.
Release the chains and come for me.

[The Elder:]
"Suddenly, his mournful cries were stunned. Out of the cold mist
came three enthralling ships. Sails torn by many a storm, and the
bows adorned by the most fierce gargoyles he'd ever laid eyes upon.
Yet, the crew they bore... Three times twelve in numbers. They stood
motionless, wrapped in grey, worn gowns. And from behind their
shadowed faces the seductive chanting. Bidding him on board.
Without besitation, he accepted. And away they sailed..."

Upon these seas,
wherein I drowned so many times,
I scatter the ashes of destiny.
Still my flames are in hunger.
With fire in my heart
shall I greet the shores ahead.
Though, I know not what will burn.

Desire...
Ahh...
In the distance
I hear the waves wash over solid ground.
And in this moment I am struck blind.

Grant me sight so I can see
that which lies ahead of me.
Cursed be my mortal eyes
for dying in the realm of Death.

Hear my call...

I return to the soaring cliffs.
They truly shine of strength.
Even though, I nothing learned.
With strength I burn...

[Guitar lead.]


13. Inno a Satana

[Originally released in 1994 on the album "In the Nightside Eclipse".]

[Music: Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[4:48]

O' mighty Lord of the Night. Master of beasts. Bringer of awe and derision.
Thou whose spirit lieth upon every act of oppression, hatred and strife.
Thou whose presence dwelleth in every shadow.
Thou who strengthen the power of every quietus.
Thou who sway every plague and storm.
Harkee.

Thou art the Emperor of Darkness.
Thou art the Emperor of Darkness.
Thou art the king of howling wolves.
Thou art the king of howling wolves.
Thou hath the power to force any light in wane.
Sans mercy. Sans compassion
nor will to answer whosoever asketh the why.

Thy path is capricious but yet so wide.
With no such thing as an impediment to strong.

Every time thou consecrate me to another secret of Thine,
I take another step towards Thy Pantheon.

O' mighty Lord of the Night. Master of beasts. Bringer of awe and derision.
Thou whose spirit lieth upon every act of oppression, hatred and strife.
Thou whose presence dwelleth in every shadow.
Thou who strengthen the power of every quietus.
Thou who sway every plague and storm.
Harkee.

Thou art the Emperor of Darkness.
Thou art the Emperor of Darkness.
Thou art the king of howling wolves.
Thou art the king of howling wolves.
Thou hath the power to force any light in wane.
Sans mercy. Sans compassion
nor will to answer whosoever asketh the why.

Forever wilt I bleed for Thee.
Forever wilt I praise Thy dreaded name.
Forever wilt I serve Thee.
Thou shalt shalt forever prevail.

Inno a Satana. Inno a Satana.
Inno a Satana. Inno a Satana.

Inno a Satana.


14. A Fine Day to Die

[Originally released by Bathory in 1988 on the album "Blood Fire Death".]

[Music and lyrics: Quorthon.]
[8:28]

Orgy of silence, conspiracy of peace.
Only the sound of the cold northern breeze.
Twinsun sink fading behind the black lake.
Asleep is the mountains, yet the night is awake.

Strange is the night. Now black stars rise.
And many Moons circle through silent the night.

[Guitar solo]

Along the black mountainside, scattered
by the campfires awaiting the dawn.
Two times a hundred men in battles.
Tried by the steel in the arrow, axe and the sword.

By battle worn, hunger torn, awaiting
for the Sun to break through the cold haze
and for the banners of Ebal to appear
on the hill in the Sun's first warm rays.

The elder among the men looked deep into
the fire and spoke loud with pride.
Tomorrow is a fine day to die.

[Guitar solo]

Now the morning advance from far East.
Now the Sun breaks through dustclouds and haze.
Now a forest of spears appears on the hill
and steel shines bright in the Sun's first rays.

[Guitar solo]

Die.
Die.
Die.


15. Aerie Descent

[This recording originally released by Emperor in 1999 on the split album "Thorns versus Emperor".]

[Music and lyrics: Snorre Ruch.]
[5:58]

By the Moon's haze and Northern Moonlight.
Upon the Earth he rode.
He seeks that which never was
and never (is) to become.
The Moon rose, it was crimson in color,
as if the night saw the coming fall
that once crushed your domain.
It ever comes again.

And again. [6x]

The moon shone with a fuller red.
As a cross he was drawn to the Earth.
What once has been shall be no more.
Death, he craves his next.
It is decreed.

Oh, Lord, hide me from the secret council of the wicked
and from these wretched words of iniquity.
For my enemies be against me,
and they have laid waste my soul in council together.
Defend me from he that rises up against me.
Save me from he that bears horns...
cloven hooves.
For he lies in wait for my soul
and desires to take it down a fiery pit.

The wraith descends to a world
to feed upon Man's soul.
See you perished, fall.
So by the stone, decrees of faith.
Their kingdom lost.

The Moon rose, it was crimson in color.
Tolled one bell.
What once crushed your domain,
it ever comes again.

And again [6x]


16. Cromlech

[Originally released by Darkthrone in 1990 on the album "Soulside Journey".]
[4:14]

Into the abyss I fall
and Dark is the reich of the dead.
A portal to reach to the side
where bodies fall from the sky.

Solitude and Peace of Mind.
Entombed in Cromlech.

Yes, flee over the River Styx
and join the dead with joy.
An ocean of Blasphemy, Heathenish realm
and "Do What Thou Wilt" as decoy.

My Prophecy is true...
We'll all make it through.

[Guitar solo]


17. Gypsy

[Originally released by Mercyful Fate in 1984 on the album "Don't Break the Oath".]

[Music: K. Diamond and M. Denner.]
[Words: K. Diamond.]
[2:25]

This magic winter night I see a light.
Again I hear that tune, some sort of croon.
Oh no, no, no, oh, my brain.

I see them gypsy waggons left in the snow.
Oh, I must see that lady, I have to know.
Gypsy woman, let me inside.

[Guitar solo]

They say you know the secret, secret of all time.
So gaze into your crystal and tell me all you see.
Gypsy woman, let me know.

"Oh, my son, you were never gone.
You are the Devil's child, and so am I."

[Guitar solo]

Gypsy now I know you're not my mother.
You're a part of my soul, it's dear for all to see.
Oh no, no, no, I am you.
Gypsy, you're inside of me.


18. Funeral Fog

[Originally released by Mayhem in 1994 on the album "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas".]

[5:12]

Every time this year
this dark fog will appear
up from the tombs it comes
to take one more life that can be near
In the middle of Transylvania
All natural life has for a long time ago gone,
it is thin and so beautiful
but also so dark and mysterious

Once again the priest is messing
may the God bless us all
The fog is here again
that will complete this funeral
From a place empty of life
Only dead trees are growing here
as it comes from a far
Only dead trees are growing here

Funeral fog. [4x]


19. I Am

[Originally released in 1999 on the split album "Thorns versus Emperor".]

[5:06]

I am the Emperor!
[Repeat multiple times.]


20. Sworn (Ulver remix)

[Originally released in 1999 on the album "IX Equilibrium".]

[Revamped by Garm of Ulver at Endless Studios.]
[Music: Ihsahn, Samoth.]
[Lyrics: Ihsahn.]
[5:40]

Four eyes as two in one.
The forward circular view that never ends.
An orbital voyage throughout this endless sphere of all
where time is lost and everything transcends.

A graceful presence
at stolen time.

As ghosts to the world.

Four eyes as two in one. Thus appear the truly sworn.
As ghosts to the world. Thus appear the truly sworn.
For ice outside, are we apart? Thus appear the truly sworn.
Cold and eerie mist. Burning. Thus appear the truly sworn.

Burning.

To be seen,
to be feared,
yet, not to be reached.


21. Lord of the Storms

[Originally released in 1992 on the demo album "Wrath of the Tyrant".]

[Lyrics by Mortiis.]
[Music by Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[2:08]

Earthquakes are breaking the silence,
a vision of hate.
A wicked, foul spell of evil.
Dark winds command the throne.
Cleansed by the evil hand,
a crusade of the burning land.
A servant in the shape of a snake
blackens the bodies red.

Then it appears, the storming wind,
a challenging scar burns through the light.
A cloud of darkness prepared for me
to complete the circle of death.
The serpent gains mastery of the wind
through the storms and through the streaming snow.
Sorrow blackens the Earth when the Moon fades.
Dark winds command the throne.

Earthquakes are breaking the silence,
a vision of hate.
A wicked, foul spell of evil.
Dark winds command the throne.
Cleansed by the evil hand,
a crusade of the burning land.

An embrace from Death.


22. My Empire's Doom

[Originally released in 1992 on the demo album "Wrath of the Tyrant".]

[Lyrics by Mortiis.]
[Music by Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[4:30]

Once our lord has come again,
all black hearts will celebrate
the darksome fiend
in the kingdom of sorrow.

Nocturnal fiends,
the beings of the night and shadows
calling forth the pure spirit
of the night.

Our reign may come secretly.
Your Lord's castle is gone.
His glory is no more,
and nothing can stop the purifying.
They remember how you conjured
all those years of sorrow.

Blasting winds of darkness conquer.
Dark lords and their minions coming through.
Hate and sin to remain.
Empty hearts fearing thy name.

Darkness hammers through on the priests.
Darkness hammers forward on the cross.
Servants of God, we will desecrate your coward race
with darkness.

Darkness hammers through on the priests.
Darkness hammers forward on the cross.
Servants of God, we will desecrate your coward race
with darkness.

Once our lord has come again,
all black hearts will celebrate
the darksome fiend
in the kingdom of sorrow.

When he returns his spirits must choose purity.
When he conquers kingdoms of death
our dead shall all reign again.

Our reign may come secretly.
Your Lord's castle is gone.
His glory is no more,
and nothing can stop the purifying.
They remember how you conjured
all those years of sorrow.

Awakened from the shadows to create.
Riding with me and with all his chosen.
Our lord to be has come again.
Riding from the past.
Little you know your life fades.


23. Moon Over Kara-Shehr

[Original recording originally released in 1992 on the demo album "Wrath of the Tyrant".]
[This recording orginally released on a Nordic Metal compilation CD.]

[Lyrics by Mortiis.]
[Music by Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[5:11]

Our time is upon us.
Master! Appear!
Over the nocturnal sky
from the mountains of black we ride.
Fly!

All thy servants fly
though the serpent's darkened sky.
Hears the opponent cry,
ravaged by his terror.

Master! We ride with the storm
in his name, the sire, wolves' king.
Enter the power coursing
through veins of the night.

Who gathers winds, summons thunder,
summons rain, summons might?

Power ripples through me.
Armageddon's thunder will bring others to my side.
The throne is mine.
A blackened storm of evil.
Evil.
Evil.
Evil.

Master! We ride with the storm to take
revenge in the sky upon the one
who cast thee from his side.


24. The Ancient Queen

[Original recording originally released in 1992 on the demo album "Wrath of the Tyrant".]
[This recording orginally released in 1994 on the EP "As the Shadows Rise".]

[Lyrics by Mortiis.]
[Music by Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[3:41]

The Ancient Queen.
Deadly hate, deadly love.
Dark under the shadow.
Death has been resisted.
The Ancient Queen,
ruler of the domain.
Keeper of the fury,
the Queen dwells in shadow.

Dark rivers run though me.
Darkness follows everwhere.
Kingdoms falling again and again.

Crawl to thee over again.
The Ancient Queen, the darkest woman.
Stepping through her shadow.
She who sees the soul.
Black is her blood.
Keeper of the fury.

Stepping through her shadow.
Do you see her soul?
Black is her blood.
Keeper of the fury.

Dark under the shadow.
Thy destiny lies with her.
The Ancient Queen,
ruler of the domain.
Keeper of the fury.
In shadow... shadow.


25. Witches' Sabbath

[Original recording originally released in 1992 on the demo album "Wrath of the Tyrant".]
[This recording orginally released in 1994 on the EP "As the Shadows Rise".]

[Lyrics by Mortiis.]
[Music by Ihsahn and Samoth.]
[5:56]

Shifting shadows guide my way in the autumn.
From this fell alliance eternal night shall arise.
Hear the scream of the wolves calling again.
Legions are wreaking destruction upon the fortress.

They must beware his rage.
Once again he is risen.
Towns are burning, the gods arise.
Welcome the nocturnal nightmare

And suffer again.
And suffer again.

He shall suffer. Dying breed of stalwart men.
We will never deny what you can see.
In malice.

They will understand my pain.

Shifting shadows guide my way in the autumn.
From this fell alliance eternal night shall arise.
Hear the scream of the wolves calling again.
Legions are wreaking destruction upon the fortress.


26. In Longing Spirit

[Originally released in 1997 on the EP "Reverence".]

[Lyrics: Samoth & Ihsahn.]
[Music: Ihsahn.]
[Arrangements: Ihsahn & Samoth.]
[5:55]

Landscapes...
Entrance my mind with thoughts of ancient times.
I wonder...
Did they walk this path?

Open seas...
An endless horizon they seem.
I wonder...
Where did they go?

Nightsky,
source of light and dark.
I wonder...
Did they comprehend?

Did they comprehend?
Did they comprehend?
Did they comprehend?
Did they comprehend?

Seasons running through my veins,
like snow melting on my skin.
They crawl beyond my flesh
and gasp my yearning soul.

Alas!
The force of divinity.
What caused its end?
What caused this?

What caused its end?
What caused its end?
What caused its end?
Oh... the end.

I drown in thoughts.
Yet, answers have abandoned this place
long ago.
Blood runs cold from my arm...

Another one is now to die.
Is he the last to see
the graceful entity of Nature?
Is he the last to have his heart and soul
nailed to Her embrace?

He passes on...


27. Opus a Satana

[Originally released in 1997 on the EP "Reverence".]
[4:17]

[Instrumental.]



Emperor - "Scattered Ashes - A Decade of Emperial Wrath"
2003, Candlelight Records
Double CD "best of"/rarities album

Total playing time: 2:23:00.
Disc one (tracks 1-13): 1:13:50.
Disc two (tracks 14-27): 1:09:10.

EMPEROR are:
Ihsahn - vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, keyboards, bass, programming.
Samoth - lead and rhythm guitar.
Trym - drums and percussion.

Former members:
Faust - drums (on "Wrath of the Tyrant" - "In the Nightside Eclipse").
Mortiis - bass (on "Wrath of the Tyrant" - "Emperor").
Tchort - bass (on "In the Nightside Eclipse").
Alver - bass (on "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk").

Guest musicians:
Tyr - bass (on "Emperial Live Ceremony").
Charmand Grimloch - keyboards (on "Emperial Live Ceremony").

Emperial regards go out to all the people
that we have worked with throughout the years,
our friends and family, and to everybody who
has been supporting Emperor one way or another...
a mighty hail to all our fans,
you are the true Emperor Horde!

Official website: www.emperorhorde.com
Officiel collector's discography: www.emperordiscography.com

All tracks published by Abstract Sounds LTD/Tanglade Music.

"Now that I am gone,
lay thorns on my grave."