-Emperor-

Eventually there comes a time when the hype on a band becomes superfluous,and their status alone speaks volumes. Such is the case with Emperor, the black metal gods hailing from Telemark, Norway, who are without doubt the most influential and respected band within their genre, having launched a scene that is now beginning to burn it's way out of the underground charnel pit and engulf mainstream metal culture in the blackest of flames.

Beginning life as a trio in the spring of '92 with Samoth (drums), Ihsahn (guitar/ vocals) and Mortiis (bass). The band quickly recorded and circulated the now legendary 'Wrath of the tyrant' demo. It was this that brought them to the attention of the then still fledgling Candlelight record label . A deal was inked, Samoth moved to guitar and Bard Faust was recruited for the now vacant drum stool. By the end of the year the band had been once more into the studio to record their half of the 'Emperor / Enslaved' split CD which was to eventually surface early in the following year.

The press response was justifiably excellent and by the summer of '93 Emperor were record once more, but this time working on their debut full length 'In the Nightside Eclipse'. By the time of the albums release in early 1994 they had become without doubt the most important band in the genre, gathering world wide critical acclaim and a rabid fan base to match. But tragedy was about to strike. In a series of headline grabbing events (which are now quite sufficiently documented. For further reading check 'Lords Of Chaos') Emperor would suffer the temporary loss of Samoth and the permanent loss of Faust, (both due to regrettable lawful entanglements which the band have since put behind them). To add insult to injury it was around this time that Mortiis decided that it was time to pursue a solo career……

Never one to lay idle, Ihsahn continued to write in the absence of a full band and by the time Samoth had returned and a new drummer (Trym, previously with enslaved) and bass player (Alver) had been found, the bones of what would become their most epic and majestic material to date were taking shape.

By the end of '96, now fully prepared and rehearsed, they were back in the studio. First firing off the 'Reverence' e.p to announce their return to the fold and then following up in early '97 with what is without doubt the single most ambitious and important black metal release to date……'Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk' . An album of epic savagery. Not only beautiful but bestial in it's wide ranging scope. The press agreed, not only did 'Anthems..' feature in just about every 'album of the year poll' in all 4 corners of the globe but they actually won the album of the year in both England's Terrorizer AND the U.S Metal Maniacs.

Since the release of the genre defining 'Anthems…. ' things moved on again in the Emperor camp. Fresh from triumphant appearances at Dynamo and Milwaukee Metalfest the band announced that bass player Alver would be leaving once all live commitments had been fulfilled, and that Ihsahn would take care of all bass work in the studio, with someone being drafted in for future live work.

In September 1998 Candlelight re-issued the Emperor back catalogue. All titles have been re-mastered with additional artwork and bonus tracks. The 'Emperor' e.p now includes the complete 'Wrath of The Tyrant' demos, 'In the Nightside…' will have the addition of the Bathory cover version 'A fine day to die' and the Mercyful Fate classic 'Gypsy', and finally 'Athems' will include 'In Longing Spirit', 'Opus A Satana' and 'The Loss And Curse Of Reverence' (live)!!!!

In March 1999 Emperor released 'IX Equilibrium'. The album itself is their single most breathtaking vision to date. Surpassing even the mighty 'Anthems...' for it's sheer scope of diversity. Emperor have now moved so far ahead of the field that it would be unfair to even consider them a black metal band any longer. Utilizing elements of their more traditional metal roots, operatic vocals and of course their trademark symphonic riffing the band have created an album so mature that it may well take the rest of the competition years to catch up... That's of course if they ever do!

In the same year Emperor toured Europe and the US. And if 'IX Equilibrium' stands as an unreachable peak for the whole extreme genre, an Emperor live show recorded at the London Astoria would testify the sheer perfection and absolute mastery on stage as well. 'Emperial Live Ceremony' was released in the year 2000 and provided the most intense soundtrack for the end of the millennium. Recently released on video and DVD as well, 'Emperial Live Ceremony' once again received overwhelming reactions worldwide. The same year Emperor also released 'Emperial Vinyl Presentation' a limited edition (of 3000) box set containing everything the band has produced so far on colored vinyl. Just a unique gift to the closest friends and fans and a chronology of a story that so far has been nothing but unique and brilliant.

Since then the single members of the band have been involved in other bands (Ihshan in Peccatum and Zamoth and Trym in Zyklon) while writing new material. Recently worldwide music press has reported a shocking new: Emperor will not perform live anymore. Far from being abnegation, Emperor are simply retreating from the live stage for the time being to concentrate on the preliminary work on a new album that once more will prove their supremacy in this genre. As with everything the band has done so far, Emperor are quietly regrouping before delivering something that no matter what happens, will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on everyone. (source: Candlelight records official site)

In 2001 the band releases the album 'Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire and Demise'. Unfortunately the band not only decides to not play live anymore, this album also marks the final chapter in the history of the band. With the release only the bandname lives on as the legend they have grown to be. All hail the mighty EMPEROR, one of metal's legendary bands!!