Artist profile · 03/07/2026
Emperor
- 9
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 447k
- Last.fm listeners
- 19M
- Last.fm plays
About
Emperor, Norwegian black metal pioneers from Notodden, active since 1991.
Emerging from Norway's metal scene in 1991, Emperor quickly established itself as a significant black metal group. Its early line-up combined guitar, vocals, and rhythm with a distinct symphonic edge, evolving from raw black metal roots into more progressive and orchestrated compositions over the 1990s. Despite legal and personal challenges interrupting the group's activity, Emperor released 14 vinyl titles spanning studio albums, live sets, and limited editions.
Notable albums such as 'In The Nightside Eclipse' (1994) and 'Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk' (1997) shaped their legacy. The band disbanded in 2001 but reunited for live appearances in 2005-2007 and again in 2014, maintaining a cult status within extreme metal circles.
Discography
Emperor discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Scattered Ashes - A Decade Of Emperial Wrath
Emperor
- Vinyl
- CD 2
- Cassette
Live At Wacken Open Air 2006 - "A Night Of Emperial Wrath"
Emperor
- Vinyl 2
- CD
- Cassette 1
From$36.99
at Rare Vinyl
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
I Am the Black WizardsIn The Nightside Eclipse · 1994 - 02Inno A SatanaIn The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
- 03Into the Infinity of ThoughtsIn The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
- 04
Ye EntrancemperiumAnthems To The Welkin At Dusk · 1997 - 05The Burning Shadows of SilenceIn The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
- 06Towards the PantheonIn The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
- 07Thus Spake the NightspiritAnthems To The Welkin At Dusk · 1997
- 08Beyond the Great Vast ForestIn The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
Essentials
3 Emperor albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1994One of the group's seminal black metal albums featuring symphonic elements and considered a cornerstone of the genre with strong vinyl collector interest.
9 tracksLimited edition LPReleased by Candlelight Records
#2 · 1997This 1997 album delivers complex, progressive black metal with abundant keyboards, recognized for its influence and critical acclaim in the metal press.
8 tracksLimited edition LPReleased by Candlelight Records
#3 · 1999The band's 1999 release with a shift more towards death metal influences, continuing their black metal foundation and touring internationally.
9 tracksLP albumReleased by Candlelight Records
Go further
Artists similar to Emperor
Artists who share part of Emperor's musical DNA.
B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Emperor
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Live Inferno
Recorded and released in 2009, 'Live Inferno' is a limited edition LP from the UK on Back On Black, capturing Emperor's powerful live presence with 29 tracks across two discs.
Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise Picture Disc
The 2001 UK limited edition picture disc LP of 'Prometheus' showcases an artistic and progressive approach, featuring 9 tracks and multiple pressing versions.
Band interruptions in early 1990s
In 1992 and 1993, band members faced incarceration for criminal activities in Norway, leading to lineup changes and temporary suspension of group activity.
Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk was named album of the year by Terrorizer and Metal Maniacs magazines.— Metal Press
Establishment in Notodden
Emperor formed in 1991 in Notodden, Norway, initially consisting of Samoth, Ihsahn, and Mortiis, evolving from a death metal background to black metal pioneers.
Emperor vinyl discography
See allPrometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise
Emperor
Metal / FusionMétal
2023-10-27CandlelightFrom$38.99
1 offerPrometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2023-10-27CandlelightFrom$30.59
3 offersIX Equilibrium
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2023-10-27CandlelightFrom$39.99
2 offersIX Equilibrium
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2023-06-23CandlelightFrom$38.99
2 offersAnthems To The Welkin At Dusk
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2023-06-23CandlelightFrom$63.99
1 offerIn The Nightside Eclipse
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2023-06-23CandlelightFrom$112.42
1 offerLive At Wacken Open Air 2006
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2017-01-13CandlelightFrom$36.99
2 offers
Emperor CDs
See allPrometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2024-12-13CandlelightFrom$18.70
1 offerWrath Of The Tyrant
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2023-10-27CandlelightFrom$299.84
1 offerAnthems To The Welkin At Dusk
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2017-02-03CandlelightFrom$19.99
1 offerIn The Nightside Eclipse
Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed MetalMétal
2017-01-13CandlelightFrom$22.91
1 offer
Recommended accessories
See allBig Fudge 4-in-1 Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit, Brush and Cleaning Fluid | Anti Static Velvet and Stylus Brushes, Storage Pouch, Full Clean in Under a Minute, Gentle on Grooves
$24.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Inner Sleeves, 50 Pack, Acid Free Paper | Heavyweight Construction, Safe for Long Term Storage, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches
$21.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$21.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 25 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$14.99
View on AmazonBig Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Round Bottom Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches
$21.99
View on Amazon
FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who are the founding members of Emperor?
Samoth (guitar/drums), Ihsahn (guitar/vocals), and Mortiis (bass) founded Emperor in 1991 in Norway.
What genre does Emperor primarily play?
Emperor is primarily known for Norwegian black metal with symphonic and progressive elements.
When was Emperor's album 'In The Nightside Eclipse' released?
The album was released in 1994 and is a key record in their catalog.
Which Emperor album is often cited as a progressive black metal record?
'Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk' from 1997 is noted for its complex, progressive black metal style.
Are Emperor vinyl records available in France?
Yes, several Emperor vinyl records like 'In The Nightside Eclipse' and 'Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk' are available on the vinyl market in France.
What is the rarity level of Emperor's original pressings?
Original vinyl pressings of key albums can be scarce and often command higher prices among collectors.
Has Emperor ever reunited after their initial split?
Yes, the band reunited for live shows between 2005 and 2007, and again in 2014 for tour dates.
Where did Emperor record their debut demos and albums?
The band recorded in Norwegian studios, evolving their sound from raw black metal to symphonic metal on subsequent albums.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.