Emperor
22nd May 2023
Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Mark Derricutt.
On a desolate Monday evening, where the very grounds of Auckland itself are sodden with what seems like endless rain, it was almost appropriate that the Norwegian gods of symphonic black metal would grace us with their presence.
Unsurprisingly, Powerstation was a sea of black and long hair, battle vests and tales of times the band had been witnessed at overseas festivals over the past three decades dictating the ambience of the room. In a time of disposable pop music culture, there was a delicious authenticity to those gathered in dark reverence.
First on the bill however, black metal locals Exordium Mors. Some have previously referred to them as ‘blackthrash’ – a term for their music that many have disagreed with due to their sheer volatility and darkness that is experienced within both their music and lyrics. And when it comes to their live performances, Exordium Mors prove exactly why they cannot be just slotted under any generic terminology.
Opening with ‘Flesh of the Heathen’ from last year’s album As Legends Fade and Gods Die, blistering drums and guitar lines that pulsate through the room, hit the audience squarely in the chest, the front rows showing their full appreciation of these stalwarts of the local scene. After almost two decades these guys know exactly what they’re doing, as shown by the haunting guitar solo and chorus style of backing vocals that just elevate the song above and beyond.
Those that have followed the band however will have noted a change in live style as earlier this years after eighteen years of blood, sweat and tears the lyrical genius that is Scourge Witchfucker sadly took his last bow; however this has allowed the band to try a new direction with vocals now being shared between Santi, Black Mortum and Assailant, this new version of deliverance (a TRIPARTITE attack) bringing an unprecedented power and ferocity to an already brutal assault. And of course, CJS on drums delivering the powerhouse of percussion to anchor this performance to the ground.
Combining black and death metal, strings of thrash winding their way through and of course technical ability beyond compare while still holding well executed melody in key places, Exordium Mors once again delivered a performance worthy of the opening slot for a band the calibre of Emperor. These are without doubt some of Aotearoa’s finest – if you haven’t already, obtain the albums and catch them live come hell or high water.
A short break to allow for rehydration and the admiration of the plethora of t-shirts and battle vests milling about the venue soon passed by in the blink of an eye, the booming voice of Ihsahn greeting all in Te Reo soon snapping necks towards the stage.
The show promised to be something special, not only was it Emperors first visit to Aotearoa’s shores, but they would be playing the majority of their debut album In The Nightshade Eclipse, an album that saw them cement their place amongst the godfathers and visionaries of Norwegian Black Metal such as Mayhem, Dimmu Borgir and Darkthrone.
Despite a whirlwind tour of Australia less than 48hrs beforehand it was clear that Emperor was here to give their kiwi fans the show of a lifetime. Swirling greens and blues lit up the stage as Ihsahn saluted and ploughed straight into ‘Into the Infinity of Thoughts’, the nihilistic assault on the senses with that delectable symphonic component ensuring that bodies were pressed against the barrier just so that they could immerse themselves fully with all that there was on offer.
As each track rained down it appeared that Emperor only grew in sheer savagery, the symbiosis of the crowd giving it their all, inhaled and exhaled back and forth, the venue one living breathing organism as they moved as one. ‘Towards the Pantheon’ with its ethereal intro, gave everyone a moment to gather their dropped jaws before once again the wall of sound hit them fair and square, Ihsahn holding the opening note as if it was absolutely nothing, the fans exploding with admiration.
Flanked by the one and only Samoth, and bassist Tony ‘Secthdamon’ Ingebrigtsen, the frontline was formidable as they swung into ‘The Majesty of The Night Sky’, the track itself a great example of how Emperor was one of the first to bind black metal so seamlessly with symphonic soundscapes, the melodies swaying the audience into silent reverence, before the frontline once again kicked them in the teeth.
But of course, this live experience would be nothing without keyboardist Jørgen Munkeby, who – for those that weren’t watching – threw himself into his work with the power of a hurricane. To see a band member love what he does with that much passion is so enthralling, it was in some ways a shame that he was off to the side of stage a little and therefore obscured from the view of many.
‘I am the Black Wizards’ again delivered that wonderful melodic black metal that captured the hearts and minds of so many when it was released back in 1994, the drums which the icon that is Trym Torson had been destroying for most of the show, handled with a class that still brought them to the forefront but did not overpower the overall sound of the track. To those who are not disciples of the genre, this may mean little, but to those that know, this is a skill level that few can achieve.
Addressing one and all, Ihsahn invited everyone to join him in the introduction of ‘Inno a Satana’ the audience gleefully doing so, some impressive voices certainly worthy of stage time themselves dotted throughout. It seemed that the night was bringing out the best of everyone.
From there the second half of the show was a buffet of some of Emperors best, ‘Curse All you Men!’ from IX Equilibrium leading into ‘Thus Spake the Nightspirit’, Secthdamon windmilling his head as if his life depended on it, his fingers, faster than the speed of sound itself as they moved across the strings.
‘The Loss and Curse of Reverence’ from Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk once again whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Could this show get any better – only if they continued to play past the witching hour. Emperor was delivering the performance of a lifetime, and everyone present knew it and bathed in its glory.
But all good things – sadly – have to come to an end, the band genuinely thanking one and all before launching into ‘Ye Entrancemperium’. Rather than taking their leave immediately, the band graciously, reached out to those in the front, gifting guitar pics, sticks and treasured set lists. Ihsahn himself staying even longer to sign CD’s and vinyl imploringly offered to him. Known as a humble man within the industry, this demonstration of his kindness and generosity only endeared him to his followers even more.
Let us hope that is not the last time we see Emperor on our fair shores…
Emperor:
Exordium Mors:
Were you there at Powerstation for this triumphant black metal gig? Or have you seen Emperor perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Emperor Setlist:
- Into the Infinity of Thoughts
- The Burning Shadows of Silence
- Cosmic Keys to My Creations and Times
- Towards the Pantheon
- The Majesty of the Nightsky
- I am the Black Wizards
- Inno A Satana
- Curse All you Men!
- Thus Spake the Nightspirit
- The Loss and Curse of Reverence
- With Strength I burn
- In the Wordless Chamber
- Ye Entrancemperium
Exordium Mors Setlist:
- Flesh of The Heathen
- Torquemada (new unreleased track)
- As The Vultures Descend
- The Triumphator
Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.
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I think that was the most special metal show I’ve ever been to.