Emperor / Hordanes Land

This legendary split-album compilation pairs the highly influential debut EPs of two of the Norwegian black metal scene's most important architects. Emperor's side introduces their pioneering, heavily atmospheric integration of icy synthesizers and symphonic grandeur into chaotic black metal. Conversely, Enslaved's half lays the earliest groundwork for the Viking metal subgenre, showcasing both bands rapidly expanding the rigid boundaries of the controversial early-90s underground.