Legion of the Night
An interview with Emperor
by Chad Hensley

Many of the epitaphs etched in In the Nightside Eclipse meld the imagery of occult horror and necromantic sorcery with concepts expressed in the fiction of Edgar Allen Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. "The Burning Sounds of Silence", "Beyond the Great Vast Forever", and "I am the Black Wizards" are three song on In the Nightside Eclipse that leave the listener mesmerized by Emperor’s black art.
    In the Nightside Eclipse is Emperor’s second release on Century Media. Their first was a split CD with label mates Enslaved (another Norwegian extreme metal act) entitled Hordane’s Land. More recently, Norway’s Head Not Found label has just made available Wrath of the Tyrant- a vinyl LP of the band’s early recordings. But, due to the fact that Ihsahn is the only remaining member currently not imprisoned, there may never be a follow up to legend that has been left behind by In the Nightside Eclipse. However, Ihsahn’s spirit remains undaunted. Both social Darwinist and Satanist, he continues to strive against those against him- "Christianity is practiced by people to weak to control their own lives. The religion represents illogical pity morals that stride against the laws of nature. It has no place in beautiful Norway." But unlike most musical groups that lay claim to the philosophyt that "Might is Right", Emperor has taken action. Of the four original members, guitarist Samoth has been incarcerated for the arson of a church and drummer Faust is serving a sentence for the brutal murder of a homosexual man who expressed feelings towards him. The third member, keyboardist Mortiis, left the band to form his own one man nocturnal symphony and has just released, Anden Som Gjorde Oppror, on Sweden’s experimental music label Cold Meat Industry. While Ihsahn still continues to plot a future for Emperor...

historical, Christian value. So it was to be reduced to a pile of ashes. The material damages are set to be of 13 million Norwegian Kroners. The church was still being used by a large flock of blind followers. It became a victim for true Norwegian spirit on the 13th of September Anno 1992 during a stormy night. Witnessed by the moon, this symbolic act of anti-Christian war enlightened the night with pagan flames. Heathen barbarism is one the rise. We will bring back the forgotten past of strength, pride, and victory.

The dark forces reflect my soul, and it is within them that I learn to create. In darkness, beyond the light of material life, I live out the spirit in me. In the light of my inner flame I observe the secrets hidden from the sun, unseen by the mortal, to be found by spirits of my kind.

Yes, I believe in gods, as personified symbols of forces that are unrecognizable to the physical senses, and therefore must be associated through those channels the human mind is capable of using. Satan versus Jehovah/God/Christ is a very good symbolic perspective on the contrast between different forces. This is, of course, just another version among many other religions, though personally I find the visual and lyrical symbolism in Satanism very appealing and satisfactory when used for strong associations. As for Christ, I can accept that some guy called Jesus once lived and claimed to be the son of God, being affected by a force that gave him this strange idea. Nevertheless, believing that he was, and that he is the savior of all people , I live this to the Christians. Heaven and Hell are also good visual symbols on the forces in contrast, and their affects on the afterlife, but a little too simplified.

Yes. I am religious in that I have a very spirited view on my belief. And, I am a Satanist, due to what I explained about appealing and satisfactory symbolism.

I do appreciate the magical and occult subject. This is quite a personal matter and I am not interested in sharing my pretentious secrets.

Asatru is a very essential aspect of Norwegian history, in heritage and spirit. It is also a very interesting and intelligent faith.

In spite of several complications that occurred because of all the imprisoning and the murder of Euronymous (guitarist and singer for Mayhem), the scene seems to be get back together. We have many promising new bands and projects. Of course, there are still some minor problems with persons that are unwanted. But I believe that Norway has the strongest Black Metal scene ever.

They have always been very supportive. The know that we are good musicians and can reach far with what we do. They do not necessarily agree with the concept nor have they always the greatest understanding of the totality of the music.

Samoth released As the Shadows Rise on his own label Nocturnal Art Productions as a limited edition of a 1000 copies.

Both of them. It is the law of nature. The strong survive. That is basically the mentality behind my Satanism- the individual. Strong, intelligent, and powerful.

I do not like society in general as the whole world is full of masses of people that I have no relation to nor interest for at all. Very few people compared to the extreme masses are likely to understand and communicate with the persons of my kind. As far as the way society is heading I see a lot of people dying because of their stupidity. I just really hope to make the best out of it for myself and those I care for with the time I have left here.

Anton LaVey is a very intelligent man. He, with his church, is very good at getting people into the anti-Christian and Satanic concept. Having his ideologies nicely written out to people so that even the simplest housewife can agree with it. Many of his ideas are very good, others I disagree with. But an individual should think for itself.

Contact- Nocturnal Art Productions, Box 53, 3812 Akkerhaugen, Telemark, Norway.

First appeared in EsoTerra #6 1995