The Wacken Open Air festival literally just kicked off today. Yet we already know one major addition to next year’s lineup: Emperor.
Ihsahn and Samoth took part of a press conference earlier today at the German metal festival to announce that the legendary black metal group would be reuniting at next year’s edition (taking place July 31-August 2, 2014). The two also confirmed during the press conference that the band will be performing a number of shows next year, though gave no indication as to what extent. Though they officially disbanded shortly after releasing Prometheus: The Discipline of Fire & Demise in 2001, the Wacken performance will mark Emperor’s first show since 2007 (when they played a handful of reunion shows).
Given how busy Ihsahn has been with his own solo work (and how resistant he seemed to a reunion), Emperor’s return comes as a nice surprise. The reunion is also a major grab for Wacken, which celebrates its 25th anniversary next year. Ihsahn has another solo album coming out later this year, his third in four years.
