Ihsahn (EMPEROR) at Rock Hard Festival Greece with BLOOD FIRE DEATH
“Every cloud has a silver lining,” as the saying goes, and this is exactly what happened in the case of Rock Hard Festival Greece, as ENSLAVED guitarist Ivar Bjørnson will not be able to be in Greece on September 11, when BLOOD FIRE DEATH, the all-star tribute band to BATHORY, will perform, and his place will be taken by a legend of extreme as well as progressive metal, Ihsahn, guitarist and vocalist of EMPEROR, who will be a member of the permanent band that will perform!!!
The band’s official announcement reads as follows:
“Legions of Greece!
Due to scheduling issues, Ivar will not be able to perform with us at Rock Hard Festival Greece in two weeks.
Taking his place, for this occasion, will be a true legend, Ihsahn of EMPEROR!
Ihsahn joined us on stage for one song at Wacken Open Air this summer, and we are thrilled to now have him with us for a full set in Greece.
Ihsahn states:
“BATHORY are undoubtedly the most influential band in the history of black metal, and I am thrilled for this opportunity to honor the legacy of Quorthon, together with old and new friends in BLOOD FIRE DEATH.”
(Photo: Christine Ward)
The final lineup with which BLOOD FIRE DEATH will come to the festival is therefore as follows:
Erik Danielsson (WATAIN) – vocals
Ihsahn (EMPEROR) – guitar, vocals
Blasphemer (VLTIMAS, RUIM, AURA NOIR, ex-MAYHEM) – guitar
Apollyon (AURA NOIR, ex-IMMORTAL, ex-DODHEIMSGARD) – bass/vocals
Faust (DJEVEL, ex-EMPEROR) – drums
Guests:
Grutle Kjellson (ENSLAVED) – vocals
Gaahl (GAAHLS WYRD, TRELLDOM, ex-GORGOROTH) – vocals
Frederick Melander (ex-BATHORY) – bass
Tickets for the festival are available at www.rockhardfestival.gr, more.com, as well as at Metal Era and Monsterville in Athens and The Nephilim Store in Thessaloniki.