Emperor’s ‘In the Nightside Eclipse’ is one of the most important records to come out of the early to mid 90’s black metal scene. That much might go without saying, but when a fourteen or fifteen year old Ethan was dropped off at the nearest Tower Records by his mother on Easter it was one of the first CDs I searched for in the metal section. Alongside the likes of Mayhem’s ‘De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas’ and Cradle of Filth’s ‘The Principle of Evil Made Flesh’ that I also picked up on that day, these records did a lot to shape my musical tastes even today.
Some songs are re-recorded or reworked versions from the self-titled and ‘Wrath of the Tyrant’ releases. I wouldn’t really suggest that most people check out those older versions unless you find yourself curious as they are much more rough in comparison to the production seen on the full-length release of ‘In the Nightside Eclipse’ and some are already going to be bothered by the production on that album already.
In truth the rhythm guitar can grate on me unless I’m listening to it on either my home stereo or on at least decent headphones. Not to be that guy but sometimes you just gotta be that guy. That said if you’re not gelling with the album release but want to hear these songs in a good light then I’d suggest some of their live recordings. Whether you choose ‘Emperial Live Ceremony’, ‘Live Inferno’ or ‘Live From Wacken Open Air’ is up to you… or you know – go and see them live on their U.S. tour this May.
For the longest time I was worried I’d never be able to see Emperor live. They had reunited sure, but I wasn’t allowed to travel to the Los Angeles date on their first trek to the largest three cities in the United States post reunion being a minor and all. Or the rare festival appearance in North America in the years following I would have been willing to travel if I had been able to afford to go alone. That is until they would headline Psycho Fest (for real this time) post pandemic. So crossed off the bucket list sure but I still feel like I have twenty years of Emperor shows to make up for.
Speaking of reunions, one of the supporting acts Agalloch returned from the grave in 2023 after calling it quits in 2016. An atmospheric mix of doom and black metal from Portland, Oregon and an inspiration to atmospheric metal music for many. They may not be a contender for best black metal to come out of the U.S. in my own reckoning but for many ‘The Mantle’ would be required listening. Cool that they’re on the bill for the Los Angeles and San Francisco dates.
Wolves in the Throne Room will also be touring in support of Emperor and are a bit more my speed. More explicitly black metal but with many of the atmospheric touches that are cornerstone to the black metal acts out of the Pacific Northwest. They are also only performing on the east coast shows.
The opener I’d most want to see though is Wayfarer. A mix of black metal and folk the lyrics are a love letter to nature and the American frontier. Think fucking cowboy black metal! I’ve loved their discography as a whole but I implore you dear reader to listen to their latest record 2023’s ‘American Gothic’ if the words cowboy black metal caught your attention. They are in support of Emperor on the Denver (their hometown) and Anaheim dates.
Should we, and I mean we as in Courtney and I are able to make any of the shows it’s likely to be the Los Angeles date so I’m ensuring I get the night off to see Wayerfarer as well at the Usual Place here in Las Vegas on Thursday May, 15th. Be there with your spurs on. Just kidding I don’t know if you’re allowed into the venue with actual spurs on.
Also most of the band members in Wayfarer are in my favorite American Black Metal band Stormkeep. Check out that band’s latest full-length 2021’s ‘Tales from Othertime’ and its medieval fantasy inspired black metal and dungeon synth. These Denver based black metallers are simply good for my soul.
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