Emperor

Norwegian black metal pioneers Emperor forged a bleak, symphonic sound that defined the second wave of the genre in the early 1990s. Their razor‑sharp tremolo riffs, cavernous production, and ritualistic atmospheres set a benchmark for extreme music worldwide. Renowned for ferocious live performances, Emperor delivers theatrical stagecraft, dense wall of sound, and an aura of mystique that has earned them a legendary reputation among metal fans. Periodic hiatuses have punctuated their career, but each return has been met with fervent anticipation. The band recently concluded its Emperial Wrath North American tour, which launched in Toronto on March 27, 2026, continued with a stop at The Pageant in St. Louis on April 5, and wrapped on April 12, 2026. No further dates have been announced.