Emperor are one of the best black metal bands of all time (In the Nightside Eclipse in particular), but Emperor almost always needs a second listen. Because the first listen to most of their songs is usually kind of overwhelming, but it soon clicks on the next listen or two.
But as I recall, Ishan told that you should not think to something extraordinary... However, from that he managed to make something really extraordinary!
They've been touring this album in full for the last 5 or so years all over the world. And it is FUCKING AMAZING live..... I've seen them do it about 5 times in 3 different countries now haha.
This is the shit! Emperor is fantastic black metal. Takes a bit to get used to the recording quality but once you catch on to what they're doing it's just amazing.
In the Nightside Eclipse is a must listen album if you're getting into Emperor. It has all the classic songs such as Inno a Satana and I Am the Black Wizards. Absolutely phenomenal record and band.
Ihsahn, the vocalist and guitarist is a brilliant composer. I really hope you do a full album listen of Ihsahn- The Adversary. It’s F’n bad ass! It’s his solo album featuring some prog elements and some King Diamond influence as he is a KD fan. When my friend first introduced me to Emperor, I couldn’t get into them. It was bc of their production. A lot going on but sounded messy, it wasn’t clear what was happening musically. It wasn’t until I saw their Emperial live ceremony video that I became a fan. Their live show production was a lot clearer. I could hear what they were doing. I was blown away!
@ 22:40 No, the bootleg with Dead's corpse on it is "Dawn of the Black Hearts". It is a *bootleg* and not an official release, mind you. The surviving members of Mayhem hates that the picture was leaked and used, they would never sanction that, as Dead was their friend. I saw the bassist of Mayhem in an interview in recent years say that he gets angry when he sees fans parading around with that bootleg's cover on t-shirts and such. It is his friend's body, afterall.
And for me personally, the album Anthems to the Welking at Dusk was an outtake from the Norwegian black metal community. As far as I know Vegard (Ihsahn) was the only member of Emperor, who wasn't in jail 1996 (other guys for church arson, desecration of graves, violent assaults, murder etc.) and he moved to his parent's farm basically in middle of nowhere to write the album while waiting for Tomas (Samoth) to get out of jail. Meanwhile when he nonetherless didn't want to be connected by any means to the actions of his bandmates. This was basically also the reason of the change in the lyrical themes. As I see it, Emperor has been carrying a cape of mysticism with them since the first demo '91 or the split 12" with Enslaved '92, even if the lyrics were straightworfard satanist. So the new ideas on the lyrics fits them better than well. Anyway, if you know your bible and other unmentioned books, I can assure that the lyrics despite the mysticism are nothing but utterly satanist. Basically just wrapped up in a metaphorical form that everybody won't understand.
I recommend listening to the live version of Emperor's show at Wacken Open Air 2006 the tracks Inno A Satana, I Am The Black Wizard & With Strength I Burn which in my opinion is their best show and the song With Strength I Burn is one of my songs band favorites
To me the best bands are like this. And Arcturus La Masquerade Infernale . You hear them. You don't instantly get it. But theres something there that makes you return to it..over and over, and the pieces start sticking together and start sticking in your head until you end up with this soundtrack to another time and world in your head. To me , these are some of the best types of Albums.
The production on this album is AMAZING! And the vocals being low in the mix is intentional. When you’ve listened to it enough, you are able to appreciate the wall of sound and the incredible production. Especially on vinyl. Also, I did not expect (totally guilty here!) you to be so knowledgeable! Great job! You rock! ❤ Ps - Recommendation for future listening from the Emperor catalogue: The tongue of fire, Curse you all men! or The acclamation of bonds.
One of the first black metal albums I listened to, and still my favorite black metal band to be honest. I just love the way the intro segues into "Ye Entrancemperium". I remember seeing some reviewers calling Emperor's style "a wall of sound" and that always seemed like a fitting description.
There is so much I want to write here now, but I`m too drunk and I`m Swedish:) I just want to say I`m very glad You Kaiya enjoied my lifesource, namely Norwegian and Swedish BlackMetal. And Emperor are one of the most influential and importand band in my music career. I heard their demo back in the early 90`s and that was it. You have absolutely right about this records setup. Listen trough it and you will hear the beautiful beginning, the chaotic middle, and the beautiful ending. In my point of view I think their first record. "In the Nightside Eclipse" got their best songs. Imagine, they were just teenagers back then when they recorded it. It`s a fantastic album that made a new genre. "Symphonic Black Metal" Anyway. Thanx for a great reaction and keep on what Youre doing. Cheers from Sweden:) PS. Yes Eronymous from Mayhem was stabbed by Count Grishnackh. Faust. The original drummer of Emperor murdered a gay dude that tried to make a move on him by stabbing him to death, and the guitarrist Samoth were sent to jail back in the days when he like all the other blackmetal dudes set a church on fire:)
Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk is one of my all time favorite black metal albums. I've seen Emperor live twice and they were amazing both times. You should for sure listen to this album in full and also In The Nightside Eclipse. when you get a chance!
The beauty of these songs really flourishes after a few more listens. It’s too dense to really absorb initially. The way this song builds and releases is pure compositional genius…
omg i remember all of us awaiting this album. ihsahn waiting for samoth to get free so they can record it. And it for sure did not disappoint. such an awesome album
For me it wasn´t so easy to listen Emperor at first, but now It`s one of my all time fav bands of BM. Nightside Eclipse and Anthems are both great albums. And If you want to hear one of those godfathers of this genre, check out the Bathory. Blood fire Death or Under the Sign Of Black Mark, for example.
Just came to the part where you said that you saw Dark Funeral. Their (maybe not anymore?) practice studio is just a few minutes walk from my place, behind an IKEA. their vocalist scared me good when I was 13. But he only wanted to sell me his new CD, on account of my Slayer shirt. Just a little anecdote :)
I remember as kid listening to this everyday for over a year nonstop and it honestly completely destroyed my ability to go back to tradiitional metal. The symphonic sound and orchestration of this album is just so incredible, its like taking a boat out into sea and never wanting to return.
Just saw Emperor for the first time ever last month. While they didn't play the Oath, they did play Ye Entrancemperium. It was an amazing experience for sure!
Kaiya that riff coming from Mayhem 1988 rehearsal you can find on the RUclips Euronymous playing that riff several times during the rehearsal. İ assume that emperor using that riff for the tribute to Euronymous.
My favorite black metal album of all time. NGL, wish it was produced a little better, but I always took this sound has the vocalist trying to scream through the music like the music is a loud storm.
Last time I've seen Emperor was in Tuska festival 2007. There Ye Entrancemperium was the last song on the list (Inno a Satana as encore). I think they also played Al Svarth as an intro, though it's been more than 15 years, so I can't say for sure. Anyway, going to see them again in August on Hellsinki Metal Festival, if there are no any surprises :)
I really like this album, though admittedly I don't listen to much Black Metal. Ihsahn (vocals/guitars) said that they tried to make the best production they could after being dissatisfied with how the previous album, In the Nightside Eclipse sounded, but the vocals kept getting drowned out. However Nightside is a lot of fans' favorite of the band. IX Equilibrium is interesting because it might be the first instance of regular muted power chords in Black Metal (either that or it popularized it) because sure enough every BM band after that started copying that style. The only album I can't recommend from them is their last, Prometheus... for me it's too bombastic,overly complex and even though Ihsahn wrote the whole thing, to me it literally sounds like a band breaking up in the studio.
So fun to watch your journey! I'm patiently waiting for you to discover songs from Swedish band Shining, or any blackmetal band from Trondheim label Terratur Possessions. Ie. Whoredom Rife or Bythos. 👏
All Emperor is epic...I found them in 1998 with the Ep WRATH OF THE TYRANT...Ihsahn and Samoth are badass players....You'll find Dissection, Mayhem, The Project Hate MCMXCIX, Dark Funeral...I'm glad to see people still refer to black and death metal with relevance and a want to hear more.
The fact that you said King Diamond is actually quite impressive. On the follow up album, there are vocals that actually sound LIKE King Diamond. These guys were definitely fans.
This is magical music, went on and on in the cd player during my high school years. 20 years later, its something i dont listen to anymore, mostly because of better knowledge of the lyrics. I rather stand for the european christian culture that we need to defend and preserve. But as a rebel teenager, this music was beyond.
Good evening Kaiya 🙂 You should check out the In the nightside eclipse album. Without doubt Emperor`s best album and a classic among norwegian black metal releases.
I think I made a negative comment a while ago but screw that, I have nothing but respect for you and what you're listening to..especially king diamond!
I'm am absolutely loving your reaction kaiya ❤️🤘 I'm a huuuuuge emperor fan especially of this song it is soooo epic hyperspeed octopus hands 🤘👿🤘 😊 lol hails unholy queen of metal 🤘😈🤘
Emperor are a fantastic band, the soundscapes truly take you on a journey. It was a pleasure watching you react to the climax of Al Svartr into Ye Entranceperium... great stuff! I highly recommend listening to With Strength I Burn from the same Anthems album as the first 2 reviewed songs.
If you have to pick one song from the Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk album, it has to be the last one - With Strength I Burn. Their best song ever.
Yep a truly epic fucking track
The live version is just something else, had the chance to watch them last year and it was mind blowing
YESSS the live version is *chef kiss*
Nah the album version then straight into the wanderer.
Off the ship then across the lands. 😉
except the last one is "the wanderer" 😅
This album is the turning point for Ihsahn when he goes from “songwriter “ to composer.
Agreed. This album is perfection
This is my perfect album. For over 20 years this has been my favourite album.
This album gets better with every listen. I get chills every single time! I hope to experience them live some day!
I just saw them live in aniheim.
Dude I have it on vinyl it literally gets played more than the rest of my collection combined
Emperor are one of the best black metal bands of all time (In the Nightside Eclipse in particular), but Emperor almost always needs a second listen. Because the first listen to most of their songs is usually kind of overwhelming, but it soon clicks on the next listen or two.
I dunno if it's a hot take or not but Prometheus is my favorite album. Empty is a fucking incredible song.
@@tarjeidavidsen7611I don’t think they have a bad album
This is my favourite album. The wall of sound is hypnotic.
The opening riff of Ye Entranceperium was written by Euronomyous
But as I recall, Ishan told that you should not think to something extraordinary... However, from that he managed to make something really extraordinary!
They've been touring this album in full for the last 5 or so years all over the world. And it is FUCKING AMAZING live..... I've seen them do it about 5 times in 3 different countries now haha.
Their live show is a life changing experience, especially when this combo of songs start
You just got an Emperorgasm !!!
Best band ever, best album ever. Nothing else to say.
Emperor is amazing. You got that right. Masterpiece
ye entrancemperium is straight one of the best black metal songs of all time!!
This is the shit! Emperor is fantastic black metal. Takes a bit to get used to the recording quality but once you catch on to what they're doing it's just amazing.
The real shit!
In the Nightside Eclipse is a must listen album if you're getting into Emperor. It has all the classic songs such as Inno a Satana and I Am the Black Wizards. Absolutely phenomenal record and band.
Especially when you consider they were 16 when they wrote that classic.
I was 16 when i bought it. My Family looked at me like i was some kind of freak ^^. Which i was :P
Watch them rehearse in England in 94 and he’s got full length nails and plays perfectly. Pure talent.
I'm The Black Wizards, but the EP version, the scream at meddle it's a Lucifer's one 🤘🤘🤘🤘
Ihsahn, the vocalist and guitarist is a brilliant composer. I really hope you do a full album listen of Ihsahn- The Adversary. It’s F’n bad ass!
It’s his solo album featuring some prog elements and some King Diamond influence as he is a KD fan.
When my friend first introduced me to Emperor, I couldn’t get into them. It was bc of their production. A lot going on but sounded messy, it wasn’t clear what was happening musically. It wasn’t until I saw their Emperial live ceremony video that I became a fan. Their live show production was a lot clearer. I could hear what they were doing. I was blown away!
My new favorite YT channel ! I love the black metal related content!
And this is exactly why you listen to black metal with your crew of boys
@ 22:40 No, the bootleg with Dead's corpse on it is "Dawn of the Black Hearts". It is a *bootleg* and not an official release, mind you. The surviving members of Mayhem hates that the picture was leaked and used, they would never sanction that, as Dead was their friend. I saw the bassist of Mayhem in an interview in recent years say that he gets angry when he sees fans parading around with that bootleg's cover on t-shirts and such. It is his friend's body, afterall.
And for me personally, the album Anthems to the Welking at Dusk was an outtake from the Norwegian black metal community. As far as I know Vegard (Ihsahn) was the only member of Emperor, who wasn't in jail 1996 (other guys for church arson, desecration of graves, violent assaults, murder etc.) and he moved to his parent's farm basically in middle of nowhere to write the album while waiting for Tomas (Samoth) to get out of jail. Meanwhile when he nonetherless didn't want to be connected by any means to the actions of his bandmates. This was basically also the reason of the change in the lyrical themes. As I see it, Emperor has been carrying a cape of mysticism with them since the first demo '91 or the split 12" with Enslaved '92, even if the lyrics were straightworfard satanist. So the new ideas on the lyrics fits them better than well. Anyway, if you know your bible and other unmentioned books, I can assure that the lyrics despite the mysticism are nothing but utterly satanist. Basically just wrapped up in a metaphorical form that everybody won't understand.
I recommend listening to the live version of Emperor's show at Wacken Open Air 2006 the tracks Inno A Satana, I Am The Black Wizard & With Strength I Burn which in my opinion is their best show and the song With Strength I Burn is one of my songs band favorites
Emperor is arguably the best black metal band imo
Well yeah, the atmosphere is nuts
Emperor is the sickist black metal band to existence
To me the best bands are like this. And Arcturus La Masquerade Infernale . You hear them. You don't instantly get it. But theres something there that makes you return to it..over and over, and the pieces start sticking together and start sticking in your head until you end up with this soundtrack to another time and world in your head.
To me , these are some of the best types of Albums.
Well said.
They’re like Kubrick films
One of the best Black Metal albums !
Entire album is beautiful
The production on this album is AMAZING! And the vocals being low in the mix is intentional. When you’ve listened to it enough, you are able to appreciate the wall of sound and the incredible production. Especially on vinyl. Also, I did not expect (totally guilty here!) you to be so knowledgeable! Great job! You rock! ❤
Ps - Recommendation for future listening from the Emperor catalogue: The tongue of fire, Curse you all men! or The acclamation of bonds.
One of the first black metal albums I listened to, and still my favorite black metal band to be honest. I just love the way the intro segues into "Ye Entrancemperium". I remember seeing some reviewers calling Emperor's style "a wall of sound" and that always seemed like a fitting description.
The combo of these two songs is one of the absolute masterpieces of black metal. Emperor did *everything* right with this one
The best opening to the best black metal album of all time
guys, i'm in love
She accidentally hits the “this riff is nasty and disgusting, I love it” face perfectly.
Saw Emperor in ‘99. Astoria London. Stupid good.
Emperor is like one of the OG black metal band
One of those rare perfect albums from start to finish.
My favorite Black Metal band
Been to them not so long ago and it's a bombastic experience. It's just unreal how haunting and professionals they're playing live.
one of the best BM albums ever made- tru kvlt
Timeless album.
They were just over 20 years old when they created this. They were around 19 when they created In the Nightside Eclipse! This keeps blowing my mind...
There is so much I want to write here now, but I`m too drunk and I`m Swedish:) I just want to say I`m very glad You Kaiya enjoied my lifesource, namely Norwegian and Swedish BlackMetal. And Emperor are one of the most influential and importand band in my music career. I heard their demo back in the early 90`s and that was it. You have absolutely right about this records setup. Listen trough it and you will hear the beautiful beginning, the chaotic middle, and the beautiful ending. In my point of view I think their first record. "In the Nightside Eclipse" got their best songs. Imagine, they were just teenagers back then when they recorded it. It`s a fantastic album that made a new genre. "Symphonic Black Metal"
Anyway. Thanx for a great reaction and keep on what Youre doing.
Cheers from Sweden:)
PS. Yes Eronymous from Mayhem was stabbed by Count Grishnackh. Faust. The original drummer of Emperor murdered a gay dude that tried to make a move on him by stabbing him to death, and the guitarrist Samoth were sent to jail back in the days when he like all the other blackmetal dudes set a church on fire:)
Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk is one of my all time favorite black metal albums. I've seen Emperor live twice and they were amazing both times. You should for sure listen to this album in full and also In The Nightside Eclipse. when you get a chance!
The beauty of these songs really flourishes after a few more listens. It’s too dense to really absorb initially. The way this song builds and releases is pure compositional genius…
"Towards the pantheon" from The wacken 2006 concert is their best
Emperor was one of the great bands in the 90s.
love your toes btw on your instagram \m/
Seeing your reaction made my day 😈👀
You should have done more songs of the mighty Emperor. I guess you couldn't handle so much awesomeness.
Piece of art.
I'm looking forward to this reaction. You can't go wrong with Emperor.
With strength, i burn! 💪
fyi, MayheM started the genre, fact.
BATHORY
stop say wow you are disturbano the GODS
YES! LOVE YOU KAIYA I AM COUNTİNG VİDEOS TO SEE MAYHEM YOU RE NOT TOO FAR FROM THEM
omg i remember all of us awaiting this album. ihsahn waiting for samoth to get free so they can record it. And it for sure did not disappoint. such an awesome album
With strength i burn will impressed her
Yes both future and past impressions 😂
For me it wasn´t so easy to listen Emperor at first, but now It`s one of my all time fav bands of BM. Nightside Eclipse and Anthems are both great albums.
And If you want to hear one of those godfathers of this genre, check out the Bathory. Blood fire Death or Under the Sign Of Black Mark, for example.
I don't know how I missed this one, but watching now! Should be pretty good! (Ihsahn is a great songwriter, singer, player)
Emperor, and 1349 are my favorite Black Metal bands
I forgot to add Dark Funeral
Euronymous is the one who was stabbed. The head photo was on Dawn of the Black Hearts.
One of the best bands ever 👌💎💎💎
Just came to the part where you said that you saw Dark Funeral. Their (maybe not anymore?) practice studio is just a few minutes walk from my place, behind an IKEA. their vocalist scared me good when I was 13. But he only wanted to sell me his new CD, on account of my Slayer shirt.
Just a little anecdote :)
Emperor's 'In the Nightside Eclipse' was my introduction to the black metal genre, back in 1994. 'Anthems ...' blew my mind when it came out.
I remember as kid listening to this everyday for over a year nonstop and it honestly completely destroyed my ability to go back to tradiitional metal. The symphonic sound and orchestration of this album is just so incredible, its like taking a boat out into sea and never wanting to return.
Ihsahn changed me as a guitar player definitely as well.
For me, it's "I am the Black Wizards"
Just saw Emperor for the first time ever last month. While they didn't play the Oath, they did play Ye Entrancemperium. It was an amazing experience for sure!
There was a 0% chance she was going to actually enjoy this. Any black metal fan who’s ever had a girlfriend would know this.
Dissection next?
Thorns of crimson…DEATH!
I honestly can't believe that you haven't done more vids of their later albums! They absolutely rip!
My son, nearly six, is named Elijah Ihsahn after the lead vocalist.
epic opener to an epic album...
Kaiya that riff coming from Mayhem 1988 rehearsal you can find on the RUclips Euronymous playing that riff several times during the rehearsal. İ assume that emperor using that riff for the tribute to Euronymous.
My favorite black metal album of all time. NGL, wish it was produced a little better, but I always took this sound has the vocalist trying to scream through the music like the music is a loud storm.
America also should know about Satyricon - Dark Medieaval Times
This album is an absolute masterpiece and every other symphonic bm band is trying to hit the bar this album set. Genius.
And nobody is ever going to hit that bar
Last time I've seen Emperor was in Tuska festival 2007. There Ye Entrancemperium was the last song on the list (Inno a Satana as encore). I think they also played Al Svarth as an intro, though it's been more than 15 years, so I can't say for sure. Anyway, going to see them again in August on Hellsinki Metal Festival, if there are no any surprises :)
I was there too.
My last festival ever.
Emperor was the last band I had to see live so my festifal-era ended there.
I was getting too old also😂
The King Diamond ref makes sense, back in the day KD helped me (KD big fan) so much to get into stuff like Death and Emperor…
I really like this album, though admittedly I don't listen to much Black Metal. Ihsahn (vocals/guitars) said that they tried to make the best production they could after being dissatisfied with how the previous album, In the Nightside Eclipse sounded, but the vocals kept getting drowned out. However Nightside is a lot of fans' favorite of the band. IX Equilibrium is interesting because it might be the first instance of regular muted power chords in Black Metal (either that or it popularized it) because sure enough every BM band after that started copying that style. The only album I can't recommend from them is their last, Prometheus... for me it's too bombastic,overly complex and even though Ihsahn wrote the whole thing, to me it literally sounds like a band breaking up in the studio.
So fun to watch your journey!
I'm patiently waiting for you to discover songs from Swedish band Shining, or any blackmetal band from Trondheim label Terratur Possessions. Ie. Whoredom Rife or Bythos. 👏
Great vid
Greetingzzz from Dubrovnik
You didn't heard with strengh i burn??? come on!!!! that's a MUST!
OOooooohh my good The reaction between 7:45 and 8:24 ahahahaaaaaa brilliant:)
Saw them this year, incredible, you have to search for the garmonbozia in Rennes!
You might like Bolt Thrower. Worth a go!
Got a Bolt Thrower reaction filmed and exporting now hehe. ;)
@@imaKaiya Don't be too harsh on my fellow countrymen ;)
sansa stark reviewing the metal good shit
17:38 - 17:47 I would not know black metal can be such hot
I am the black wizard!
Wizards, you gotta be plural
It’s funny you mention King Diamon vibes because that’s one of Ihsahn’s favorite bands
All Emperor is epic...I found them in 1998 with the Ep WRATH OF THE TYRANT...Ihsahn and Samoth are badass players....You'll find Dissection, Mayhem, The Project Hate MCMXCIX, Dark Funeral...I'm glad to see people still refer to black and death metal with relevance and a want to hear more.
With Strength I Burn is a fucking banger
Emperors rad in concert to
The fact that you said King Diamond is actually quite impressive. On the follow up album, there are vocals that actually sound LIKE King Diamond. These guys were definitely fans.
Indeed. And lets not forget they had already covered "Gypsy" from Mercyful Fate and Ihsahn did a great job.
7:30 😂 such a drastic change in the record
What inspired you to listen to metal
In the first place? Where you surprised that you liked what you heard?
So is there gonna be a full length part 2 to this ?
At 06;42 I see the flags and the weapons before the clash of 2 mighty armies
First time listen to Emperor. And after Al Svartr at 17:14 ending with the words Jesus x) Made me laught. Good reaction
This is magical music, went on and on in the cd player during my high school years. 20 years later, its something i dont listen to anymore, mostly because of better knowledge of the lyrics. I rather stand for the european christian culture that we need to defend and preserve. But as a rebel teenager, this music was beyond.
Good evening Kaiya 🙂 You should check out the In the nightside eclipse album. Without doubt Emperor`s best album and a classic among norwegian black metal releases.
Saw Emperor live on 70k and they are even better live than on record. With Strength I Burn is one of the greatest songs of all time, in any genre.
I think I made a negative comment a while ago but screw that, I have nothing but respect for you and what you're listening to..especially king diamond!
I'm am absolutely loving your reaction kaiya ❤️🤘 I'm a huuuuuge emperor fan especially of this song it is soooo epic hyperspeed octopus hands 🤘👿🤘 😊 lol hails unholy queen of metal 🤘😈🤘
Emperor are a fantastic band, the soundscapes truly take you on a journey. It was a pleasure watching you react to the climax of Al Svartr into Ye Entranceperium... great stuff! I highly recommend listening to With Strength I Burn from the same Anthems album as the first 2 reviewed songs.