Norwegian Black Metal act Emperor brought their Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk to Dublin’s 3Olympia.
Loud…heavy…dark…awesome…
Those are the first words that sprung to mind as soon as Emporer started their set in the 3Olympia on Saturday 23rd March.
The Norwegian Black Metal band are one of the most influential and critically acclaimed bands in the genre, and it’s not difficult to see why. After multiple hiatus’ and ‘legal issues’ involving the burning of churches (*cough Samoth cough*), the band are currently touring again and have finally made their way to Ireland, playing here for the first time.
Judging by the reactions of the sold out arena, this has been something people have been waiting for for a long time. Fronted by Ihsahn on guitar and vocals, accompanied perfectly by Samoth on guitar and Tchort on bass, with Trym unleashing hell on the drums, the band immediately set the tone with their heavy vocals, deep dark riffs, snarling bass lines and pounding drums, surrounded by a dark and atmospheric light show that painted the guys in the light (or lack thereof) that matches their sound perfectly. This was a very serious gig…serious musicians playing serious music seriously loud to a crowd that took them being here very seriously. And I’ll tell you what, it was seriously good.
I know the band have had a ‘complicated’ past and have taken many hiatus’ and gone through some lineup changes (what influential band hasn’t…), but I seriously hope this isn’t the first and last time they visit here, because if Saturday night was anything to go by, these Black Wizards have a lot more fans here that would want to see them return.
Emperor photos & set-list:
Set-list:
Intro (Tape)
Into the Infinity of Thoughts
In the Wordless Chamber
Thus Spake the Nightspirit
Ensorcelled by Khaos
The Loss and Curse of Reverence
The Acclamation of Bonds
With Strength I Burn
Curse You All Men!
The Majesty of the Nightsky
I Am the Black Wizards
Inno a Satana
The Burning Shadows of Silence
Ye Entrancemperium
Song played from tape
The Wanderer (Tape)
Photos & words – David McEeanery