Imperium – Exodus Unknown
Imperium – Exodus Unknown
Heavy Metal Records
Release date: 17/07/26
Review by: Oli Gonzalez
8/10
Imperium. One of those bands whose name has cropped up multiple times on posters, whether it be Thrashchester, or Bloodstock Open Air, or even in support of Venom Inc. I’ve seen the thrash metallers’ name multiple times, ever since their Metal To The Masses London victory – arguably the toughest in the region – but just never checked them out. Their upcoming album “Exodus Unknown” seems like as good a time as any, right?
The early stages of the album offer a sound that’s firmly rooted in thrash. Especially with the choppy and explosive rhythms and crunching guitar riffs. Though the band has offered a modern and progressive approach and has clearly slammed their own stamp on the genre in the process. They can retain a heavy sound whilst staying in what seems to be a higher, possible standard guitar tone. Kind of how Sylosis did with “Conclusion Of An Age” 2 decades ago. The production is sharp and polished yet retaining just the right amount of grit and dirt in there. The vocals, to be truthful, I wasn’t sold on at first! Seeming a bit too thin and sitting too low in the mix, they lacked the all-commanding presence that the genre needs. Though with more exposure, it became clearer that it works for the band, and if anything, it means there’s more time for the quality instrumentation to take front and centre stage. Also, it acts as a throwback to the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, Municipal Waste and other thrash/crossover bands from the 80s.
Speaking of taking front and centre stage, let’s stop and admire some of the incredible guitar solos on this album! The right blend of technical whilst retaining feeling and emotion, this speaks to the immense musical talent within the band. Genuinely, you won’t need to look far on the album to find evidence of this.
As far as the pacing of the album is concerned, Imperium have struck a sweet balance here! A balance between their faster and more explosive tunes, interceding with the slower, more groovy numbers that give your senses a break from the onslaught and allow the rest of the album to breathe. They’re not afraid to take on the challenge of longer songs, especially with ‘The Gun’, when the pace slows to a glacial drip at the outset before slowly and gradually building the tension and raising the dynamics from deep and emotional to blistering pace and euphoric! One of the highlights on the album for sure!
Each song feels like it has purpose and identity, rather than being a random selection of songs thrown together in a hodgepodge manner. No, Imperium are clearly talented songwriters and composers; that’s for sure. The end product is one that far exceeds a band at their level also!
No doubt, Imperium are one of the best kept secrets in the UK’s underground! It feels like they’re ready to explode onto the wider scene. Maybe “Exodus Unknown” isn’t quite going to be their breakthrough album, but they’re damn close to it! More of the same on the next album, please!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Hell and High Water
02. Exodus Unknown
03. Reap What You Sow
04. Unstoppable
05. The Gun
06. Hangman
07. Tread the Serpent
08. The End
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal, with photos used with kind permission of Necroshons. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
