IX Equilibrium is the third studio album by the Norwegian symphonic black metal band Emperor. The band had stated that they were to "return to their roots", and the music presented showcases some of the band's darkest and most vicious material, as well as their cleanest production at the time. Still, it is quite different from earlier releases, featuring a mix of clean and black metal vocals, soothing symphonic interludes and unrelentingly crushing guitar work.