Emperor Debut New Zealand Show Announced For 2023

One of the most revered musical entities in the diabolical history of black metal, Norway's iconic Emperor have announced their first ever Aotearoa headline event, taking over Tāmaki Makaurau's The Powerstation on 22nd May. Forging their own pioneering symphonic black metal sound from 1991 onwards over the course of four studio albums, Emperor's live set for the journey down under will heavily feature 1994's breakout debut In The Nightside Eclipse, globally hailed as a masterpiece of the genre. Their 2019 Australian shows sold out and there's zero doubt New Zealand's extreme metal-loving hordes will be out in full force to experience this legendary event — we advise grabbing tickets immediately when they go on sale this Tuesday to avoid missing out...

UPDATE: local supports for Emperor are Tāmaki Makaurau black thrashing metal crew Exordium Mors...

Emperor New Zealand 2023
Featuring: In the Nightside Eclipse Monday 22nd May - The Powerstation, Auckland w/ Exordium Mors
Tickets on sale via AAA Ticketing

Take in Emperor's classic 'I Am the Black Wizards' from In the Nightside Eclipse...

Press release:

Eventually there comes a time when the hype about a band becomes superfluous, and their status alone speaks volumes. Such is the case with EMPEROR, the black metal gods hailing from Telemark, Norway. EMPEROR has become known as one of the originators of symphonic Black Metal that Norway is internationally renowned for.

EMPEROR’s first Australian shows in 2019 were met with a wildly successful response culminating in two phenomenal sold out shows that shattered all expectations.

As a direct result of the Australian hordes insatiable appetite for the black and sinister, EMPEROR have decided to spread their emperial wrath to New Zealand and perform rites that will heavily feature their debut cult album ‘In The Nightside Eclipse’, one defined as a definitive metal masterpiece of our time.

In The Nightside Eclipse has often been referred to as a pioneering influence in symphonic black metal. Although all the key elements of black metal are present, such as fast tremolo-picked guitar passages, harsh screams, and raw, lo-fi production, the use of symphonic keyboard sections is a key part of the album's distinctive sound.