Emperor on Stage: Reunions, Wacken and Hellfest
We split in 2001, but the stage kept calling us back. Here's how Emperor's live years went, from the first reunion show to the big festival nights.
When did we come back?
Our reunion show was in Oslo on 30 September 2005. After it we stayed active until 2007, and in 2006 we played Inferno festival in April and Wacken Open Air in August.
What did we release from those shows?
In 2009 we released Live Inferno, on CD and DVD.
What happened in 2014?
We came back again for 2013 and 2014, and in 2014 we headlined three of the biggest metal festivals: Wacken, Bloodstock and Hellfest.
And since then?
We've been active again since 2016. In 2017 we played shows marking 20 years of Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, our second album from 1997.
Who plays with us live?
The core of Emperor is Ihsahn, Samoth and Trym Torson. On stage we're joined by Tony "Secthdamon" Ingebrigtsen and Ole Vistnes on bass and Jørgen Munkeby on keyboards, with us since 2018.
What should you wear to the next show?
Keep it simple: a black tee with the Emperor logo is all a show night needs.
Bring a layer: a hoodie or a crewneck for the queue, the walk home and the cold nights in between.
Go back to the start: the Wrath of the Tyrant design or the In the Nightside Eclipse landscape carry the early years with you.
Light and loud: a long sleeve sits well under an open jacket on a festival evening.