Emperor of the Black Runes is the fourth album by Domine. It was recorded in May 2003 and released under Japanese label Avalon in February 2004.^[1]

Emperor of the Black Runes
Studio album by Domine
Released	2004
Recorded	May 2003
Genre	Power metal
Length	43:06
Label	Dragonheart Records Avalon
Producer	Enrico Paoli

Track listing[edit]

All tracks by Enrico Paoli

1. "Overture Mortale (Intro)" – 01:09
2. "Battle Gods" – 04:58
3. "Arioch, the Chaos Star" – 05:06
4. "The Aquilonia Suite Part I" – 11:01
5. "The Prince in the Scarlet Robe" – 06:53
6. "Icarus Ascending" – 06:29
7. "The Song of the Swords" – 05:41
8. "The Sun of the New Season" – 08:41
9. "True Believer" – 05:58
10. "The Forest of Light" – 03:28

Bonus song

1. "Altar of the King" (Riot cover, Japanese bonus track) – 4:54

Personnel[edit]

Band[edit]

• Enrico Paoli – guitars
• Riccardo Paoli – bass
• Morby – vocals
• Riccardo Iacono – keyboards
• Stefano Bonini – drums

Guests[edit]

• Leanan Sidhe – vocals on "Stormbringer Ruler" and "Emperor Of The Black Runes"
• Patrick Wire – narration on "Emperor Of The Black Runes"

Lyrical references[edit]

Source from Domine interview with Strutterzine.^[2]

• “The Aquilonia Suite” is based on the Conan The Barbarian books by R.E. Howard
• “Overture Mortale” and “Battle Gods” are, musically inspired by a theme from Mozart’s Don Juan & lyrically by the movie The Legend of Zu
• “Arioch, The Chaos Star” is lyrically loosely based on Michael Moorcock’s books
• “Icarus Ascending” is based on the Greek myth of Icarus
• “The Prince In The Scarlet Robe” is based on the Corum saga by Michael Moorcock
• “The Song Of The Sword” is based on the character of Elric of Melniboné
• “The Forest Of Light” is very loosely inspired by the theme of Tanelorn

References[edit]