Artist page · 03/07/2026

Emperor

NotoddenFormed in 1991Métal9 vinyl albums
Emperor is a Norwegian black metal band formed in 1991 in Notodden. They mix black, symphonic, and progressive metal, and are recognized as pioneers of symphonic black metal.
Explore the discography The 3 must-haves
9Albums on Vinyles.com
1171Discogs releases
447kLast.fm listeners

About

14 vinyl releases including 1994's 'In The Nightside Eclipse' - a key black metal LP with numerous pressings and demand.

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, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Live InfernoCandlelight Records · 2009
2009
Live Inferno
CD, Album
Live
Prometheus - The Discipline Of Fire & DemiseCandlelight Records · 2001
2001
Prometheus - The Discipline Of Fire & Demise
CD, Album
Studio
Emperial Live CeremonyCandlelight Records · 2000
2000
Emperial Live Ceremony
CD, Album, Enhanced
Studio
IX EquilibriumCandlelight Records · 1999
1999
IX Equilibrium
CD, Album
Studio
Thorns Vs EmperorMoonfog · 1999
1999
Thorns Vs Emperor
CD, Album, Promo
Studio
Anthems To The Welkin At DuskCandlelight Records · 1997
1997
Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk
CD, Album
Studio
In The Nightside EclipseCandlelight Records · 1994
1994
In The Nightside Eclipse
CD, Album
Studio
EmperorCandlelight Records · 1993
1993
Emperor
Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Mini-Album
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Emperor's career.

01
I Am the Black Wizards
I Am the Black Wizards
In The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
02
Inno A Satana
Inno A Satana
In The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
03
Into the Infinity of Thoughts
Into the Infinity of Thoughts
In The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
04
Ye Entrancemperium
Ye Entrancemperium
Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk · 1997
05
The Burning Shadows of Silence
The Burning Shadows of Silence
In The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
06
Towards the Pantheon
Towards the Pantheon
In The Nightside Eclipse · 1994
07
Thus Spake the Nightspirit
Thus Spake the Nightspirit
Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk · 1997
08
Beyond the Great Vast Forest
Beyond the Great Vast Forest
In The Nightside Eclipse · 1994

The essentials

The 3 Emperor albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1994
LP, Album, Limited Edition
In The Nightside Eclipse

One 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
Discover the album
#2 · 1997
LP, Album, Limited Edition
Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk

This 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
Discover the album
#3 · 1999
LP, Album
IX Equilibrium

The 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
Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to Emperor

Artists who share part of Emperor's musical DNA.

Darkthrone
Darkthrone
Immortal
Immortal
Dissection
Satyricon
Enslaved
Enslaved
Windir
Bathory
Bathory
Gehenna

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Emperor

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk was named album of the year by Terrorizer and Metal Maniacs magazines.
— Metal Press
01Live 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.

2009UK
02Picture disc pressing

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.

2001UK
03Legal troubles

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.

1992Norway
04Formation

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.

1991Notodden

Records by Emperor

See all
Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise - Front Cover

Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise

Emperor
Metal / Fusion Metal
Candlelight
From $38.99 1 offer
Emperor - Front Cover

Emperor

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $45.99 1 offer
Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise - Front Cover

Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $30.59 3 offers
IX Equilibrium - Front Cover

IX Equilibrium

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $39.99 2 offers
Wrath Of The Tyrant - Front Cover

Wrath Of The Tyrant

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
View details
IX Equilibrium - Front Cover

IX Equilibrium

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $38.99 2 offers
Emperor - Front Cover

Emperor

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $48.99 1 offer
Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk - Front Cover

Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $63.99 1 offer
In The Nightside Eclipse - Front Cover

In The Nightside Eclipse

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $112.42 1 offer
Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk - Front Cover

Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
View details
Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk - Front Cover

Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk

Emperor
Metal / Fusion Metal
Candlelight
From $25.67 1 offer
Emperial Live Ceremony - Front Cover

Emperial Live Ceremony

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
View details
Live At Wacken Open Air 2006 - Front Cover

Live At Wacken Open Air 2006

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $36.99 2 offers
Live Inferno - Front Cover

Live Inferno

Emperor
Death / Doom / Thrash / Speed Metal Metal
Candlelight
From $46.63 1 offer

Recommended accessories

To protect, store and clean your records.

All accessories

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 page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
    ↗
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
    ↗
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
    ↗
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
    ↗
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability
    ↗

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 03/07/2026