Band

Emperor

Norway
Pioneer

Black Metal · Symphonic · since 1991

Second Wave of Norwegian Black Metal 1991–1996

Emperor formed in Notodden, Norway, in 1991, when Ihsahn and Samoth joined forces with bassist Mortiis. The demo "Wrath of the Tyrant" (1992) spread through the tape-trading underground and earned a deal with Candlelight Records. Emperor became one of the defining acts of the Norwegian second wave of black metal, alongside Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum and Immortal. Musically, Emperor treated black metal as composition rather than pure aggression. The 1994 debut "In the Nightside Eclipse" is routinely cited as the founding document of symphonic black metal. "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk" (1997) pushed the orchestration into near-classical territory. "IX Equilibrium" (1999) traded atmosphere for thrash-inflected precision, and the final album, "Prometheus" (2001), was written almost entirely by Ihsahn. The band split in 2001; Ihsahn continued with a prolific solo career. Emperor has since reunited repeatedly for festivals and tours, while consistently ruling out new material.

Lineups

Current lineup [2013–present]

Samoth
Samoth
Guitars
Trym Torson
Trym Torson
Drums
Ihsahn
Ihsahn
Vocals / Guitars / Keyboards

Discography

In the nightside eclipse · 1994

Spotify

Anthems to the welkin at dusk · 1997

Spotify

IX equilibrium · 1999

Spotify

Prometheus: the discipline of fire & demise · 2001

Spotify

Timeline

199019952000200520102015202020252030TodaySamothSamoth — Guitars: 1991–2001Samoth — Guitars: 2005–2007IhsahnIhsahn — Vocals / Guitars / Keyboards: 1991–2001Ihsahn — Vocals / Guitars / Keyboards: 2005–2007TchortTchort — Bass: 1992–1994FaustFaust — Drums: 1992–1994Trym TorsonTrym Torson — Drums: 1996–2001Trym Torson — Drums: 2005–20071994In the nightside eclipse (1994)1997Anthems to the welkin at dusk (1997)1999IX equilibrium (1999)2001Prometheus: the discipline of fire & demise (2001)
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