After unleashing an original album, the ‘one-man band unveils an extraordinary tribute to the ionic black metal ensemble, Emperor!
Apocrifus, the Brazilian Symphonic Dark Metal ‘one-man band’ led by musician and producer from Rio Grande do Sul, Gladimir Purper (also known for his work in Creationism Denied and Guitar Metal Solos), has released the cover song “The Loss And Curse Of Reverence” by the Norwegians masters of Emperor as a brand-new single.
Gladimir commented on his choice: “I have been fascinated by Emperor ever since I discovered them. They blend aggressive guitar riffs with grandiose symphonic arrangements, creating an unique and epic atmosphere. The keyboards, synthesizers, and sound effects add depth to their music as well. Emperor is one of my main influences in the extreme music scene.”
Another relevant point for this re-recording was that in the original version, released on the 1997 album “Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk” the Norwegian went against traditional Black Metal vibes by seeking a cleaner production. This allowed each instrument to be heard clearly, which is one of the main goals in Apocrifus‘ music.
Emphasizing audiovisual elements, one of the founding principles of creating Apocrifus, this new release has been made available exclusively in video format.
Even with influences from the dense sound of symphonic and orchestrated Black Metal, along with the discreet use of choirs featuring male and female voices singing striking melodies, Apocrifus doesn’t quite fit into that style. Their latest album, “Reflections Of Darkness”, released last November on all digital platforms, clearly illustrates this through its lyrics, which explore themes of self-discovery and delve into the premises of the dark side of human nature. Two excellent examples of this are the well-praised singles “Into The Infinity Of Silence” and “Slave Of Illusion”.
“Emperor influenced me significantly with their technical complexity, refusing to settle for the basics and exploring time changes, polyrhythms, and unconventional structures. Their visual aesthetic, creating a striking image for the band in both promotional photos and live performances, also played a crucial role. This was a decisive factor in the creation of “Reflections Of Darkness”. Therefore, it’s only fitting to pay homage to a band that embodies concepts closely aligned with what I seek for Apocrifus“, concluded the musician/producer.
As Gladimir is also a producer, he has consistently prioritized bringing a modern touch to all Apocrifus releases, distancing himself from the compression battles and volume struggles often found in comparable productions. Emphasizing dynamics and allowing the music to brea
APOCRIFUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: @apocrifus_official
Youtube: @apocrifus