The Downbeat Ihsahn (Emperor)
Sep 9, 2024
Ihsahn, the mastermind behind the legendary black metal band Emperor, shares his fascinating artistic journey from teenage rebellion to solo innovation. He recalls humorous tales from early tours, including fire breathing feats and the chaos of the UK circuit. The discussion dives into his shift from atheism to agnosticism, influenced by great thinkers. He also explores personal wellness techniques like yoga and breathwork that boost his creativity. With insights about blending orchestral elements into metal, Ihsahn reveals the profound connection between art, philosophy, and personal growth.
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Early UK Tour In A Van
- Emperor toured the UK in 1993 in a cramped van with only a guitar and sleeping bag.
- A photo from being lost in Edinburgh became cover art for a limited release.
Fire-Breathing Mishap
- Ihsahn burned his face doing fire-breathing with inappropriate fuel on tour.
- The injury appears in photos from that era and taught him it was a bad idea.
From Innovator To Nonconformist
- Ihsahn says Emperor pioneered corpse paint and then dropped it once it became common.
- He frames this as going against the grain rather than following scene conventions.
