Emperor

Emperor is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1991 by guitarist and vocalist Ihsahn and guitarist Samoth. The group split up in 2001, but reunited from 2005 to 2007 for a few festival dates and brief US tours, and again reunited from 2013 to 2014. Emperor reformed for the third time in 2016.

Emperor is considered to be highly influential on the black metal genre by both music journalists and members of the extreme metal community. [edit]

Emperor's origins trace back to the small town of Notodden, Norway, in 1991. Guitarist and vocalist Vegard Tveitan, who would later be known as Ihsahn, and guitarist Tomas Haugen, known as Samoth, bonded over a shared vision of a more symphonic and ambitious form of black metal. They had both been involved in earlier projects, but Emperor was to be their main outlet for this new direction.

The lineup solidified in 1992 with the addition of drummer Bård Faust and bassist Mortiis. The band recorded their first demo, 'Wrath of the Tyrant,' in 1992, which caught the attention of Euronymous, the owner of Deathlike Silence Productions. However, before they could release their debut album, tragedy struck: Euronymous was murdered by Varg Vikernes of Burzum, and Samoth was implicated in the burning of a church, leading to his imprisonment. The band was thrown into chaos, but Ihsahn and Faust regrouped, bringing in new members to complete the album 'In the Nightside Eclipse,' released in 1994 to critical acclaim.

The album's complex arrangements and atmospheric keyboards set a new standard for black metal, and Emperor quickly became a leading force in the Norwegian scene. The band faced numerous lineup changes over the years, with members coming and going due to imprisonment, musical differences, or other commitments. Despite these challenges, they continued to evolve, releasing 'Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk' in 1997 and 'IX Equilibrium' in 1999, each pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Emperor disbanded in 2001 after a final tour, but the demand for their music never faded. They reunited for festival appearances in 2005, 2006, 2007, and again from 2013 to 2014, and have been active since 2016, performing at major festivals and headlining shows worldwide. [edit]

Emperor's sound is characterized by a blend of raw black metal aggression with symphonic elements, incorporating keyboards, orchestral arrangements, and complex song structures. Their music often features fast, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beat drumming, and harsh vocals, but also includes moments of melodic clarity and atmospheric interludes.

The band's early work, particularly 'In the Nightside Eclipse,' is considered a landmark in the genre for its ambitious songwriting and use of synthesizers to create a dark, majestic atmosphere. Over time, they incorporated more progressive and avant-garde elements, as heard on 'Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise' (2001), which featured more complex rhythms and a greater emphasis on keyboards.

Lyrically, Emperor explores themes of darkness, mythology, and the occult, often drawing from Norse mythology and philosophical concepts. Their music has been described as 'symphonic black metal' and has influenced countless bands within the genre. [edit]

Emperor is widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in black metal, helping to define the genre's second wave in the early 1990s. Their debut album 'In the Nightside Eclipse' is often cited as a masterpiece that pushed the genre's boundaries, incorporating symphonic elements that would inspire a whole subgenre of symphonic black metal.

Their impact extends beyond music: they were part of the notorious Norwegian black metal scene that made headlines in the early 1990s due to church burnings and murders. While the band members themselves were involved in some of these events, they have since distanced themselves from the criminal acts, and their musical legacy remains intact.

Emperor's influence can be heard in bands like Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, and many others who adopted their approach to melody and atmosphere. They have also been praised for their live performances, which are known for their intensity and theatricality. [edit]

Emperor's fanbase, often referred to as the 'horde,' is known for its dedication and passion. The band's music has spawned a devoted following that spans the globe, with fans drawn to the band's dark, majestic sound and their role in shaping black metal history.

Fan traditions include attending the band's reunion shows, which are often treated as pilgrimages. The band's logo, a stylized 'E' with intricate details, is a popular tattoo choice among fans. Emperor's albums, particularly 'In the Nightside Eclipse,' are considered essential listening for any black metal fan.

The band has also inspired fan-made tributes and cover bands, and their music is frequently discussed in online forums and social media groups dedicated to black metal. [edit]

Emperor's debut album 'In the Nightside Eclipse' was recorded in 1993 but released in 1994 due to legal issues surrounding the band members.

Ihsahn and Samoth have both been involved in other notable projects: Ihsahn has a successful solo career, and Samoth has played in Zyklon and other bands.

The band's name 'Emperor' was chosen to reflect their ambition to rule the black metal scene.

Emperor's song 'I Am the Black Wizards' is one of their most popular tracks, often performed live.

The band has never had a permanent bassist for long; many members have filled the role over the years. [edit]