Emperor is one of the most influential and revered bands in the black metal genre, renowned for their innovative approach that combined raw aggression with symphonic and progressive elements. Formed in 1991 in Notodden, Norway, the band played a pivotal role in shaping the second wave of black metal and establishing Norway as a hub for the genre.

Formation and Early Years (1991-1993):

Emperor was founded by guitarist and vocalist Ihsahn (Vegard Sverre Tveitan) and guitarist Samoth (Tomas Haugen). The two musicians, both teenagers at the time, were heavily influenced by bands such as Bathory, Venom, and Celtic Frost. They initially played death metal in a project called Thou Shalt Suffer before transitioning to black metal. In 1992, Emperor released their self-titled demo, which garnered attention in the burgeoning Norwegian black metal scene. Shortly after, drummer Faust (Bård Eithun) and bassist Mortiis (Håvard Ellefsen) joined the band. This lineup recorded the legendary EP Wrath of the Tyrant, a raw, lo-fi release that showcased their early sound. Mortiis left the band in late 1992, moving on to a solo career, and was replaced by Tchort (Terje Vik Schei).

Rise to Prominence and Legal Troubles (1993-1995):

In 1993, Emperor signed with Candlelight Records and released their seminal debut album, In the Nightside Eclipse, in 1994. The album was groundbreaking for its integration of atmospheric keyboards, creating an epic and symphonic quality while maintaining the cold, harsh essence of black metall and it still remains a landmark in the genre. During this period, Emperor became associated with the notorious Norwegian black metal scene, marked by church burnings, violence, and criminal activities. Faust was convicted for the murder of a man in Lillehammer in 1992 and sentenced to 14 years in prison. Tchort also faced legal issues, leading to a reshuffling of the lineup. Despite these challenges, Ihsahn and Samoth remained the core of the band.

Sophistication and Experimentation (1996-1999):

Emperor’s second album, Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, was released in 1997 and cemented their status as black metal pioneers. The album expanded on their symphonic elements and featured intricate compositions, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. It was awarded Album of the Year by several metal publications and is often considered their magnum opus. For their third album, IX Equilibrium (1999), Emperor incorporated more progressive and technical elements, moving slightly away from their black metal roots. The album showcased Ihsahn’s clean vocals and a more dynamic range of styles, reflecting the band’s desire to evolve artistically.

Dissolution and Legacy (2000-2007):

In 2001, Emperor released their fourth and final studio album, Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise, written almost entirely by Ihsahn. The album was highly progressive and avant-garde, polarizing fans but earning critical acclaim for its complexity and ambition. Later that year, Emperor announced their disbandment, citing a desire to pursue individual projects. Ihsahn focused on his solo career, exploring progressive metal, while Samoth and drummer Trym Torson formed the band Zyklon.

Reunions and Continued Influence (2006-Present):

Despite their disbandment, Emperor have reunited periodically for special performances. In 2006, they played major festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Inferno Festival, thrilling fans with live renditions of their classic material. Additional reunions occurred in 2014 and 2017, celebrating anniversaries of In the Nightside Eclipse and Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk. Emperor’s influence on black metal and extreme music cannot be overstated. They pushed the boundaries of what black metal could achieve, inspiring countless bands to explore symphonic and progressive elements within the genre. Their work continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, solidifying their legacy as one of black metal’s most innovative and enduring acts.