Norwegian black metal powerhouse Emperor launched a siege of American soil this spring. Given the band had only completed their first tour of length in more than 15 years back in 2023, the stretch of live dates was a rare opportunity for fans to experience the timeless catalog in the flesh - a momentous occasion that drew a capacity crowd to the Hollywood Palladium. 

Executing their live set as two acts, the first was devoted to the 1994 classic debut, In the Nightside Eclipse. Opening with "Into the Infinity of Thoughts," Emperor essentials like "Cosmic Keys to My Creations & Time" and the six-minute black metal opus, "I Am the Black Wizards" revived the glory days of the Norwegian extreme music onslaught of the 90's. 

The continued chemistry of Ihsahn and Samoth - a tandem that have persevered  creatively for more than three decades - proved elite in their live execution, recreating all the emotion and pageantry that has remained the hallmark of Emperor's sonic devastation. 

For the band's second act, only one selection from the final Emperor record in 2001's Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise made the cut with "In the Wordless Chamber" working its way into the fabric of a classic era Emperor set. Leaning heavily into the iconic 1997 album, Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk, fire starters in "Thus Spake the Nightspirit" and "The Loss and Curse of Reverence" wreaked havoc inside the Hollywood Palladium.

Completing the second half blitz, Emperor unsheathed their sword for a rendition of "Ye Entrancemperium" that went in for the kill. The five-minute masterclass of menacing blast beats and powerful guitars made for a mighty finale that left the room out of breath and awestruck.  

See the gallery of images below of Emperor's Los Angeles tour stop at the famed Hollywood Palladium. All photos by Maurice Nunez

EMPEROR