Imminence – Axis Mundi
Imminence – Axis Mundi
Sumerian Records
Release date: 02/10/26
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
The nation of Sweden has pumped out countless quality metal acts at all ends of the spectrum. From Amon Amarth to Sabaton, At The Gates to In Flames, the Nordic Nation’s contribution to music cannot be understated.
Enter Imminence.
Representing a new breed, and young up and comers, 2027 is shaping up to be their biggest year yet, with their biggest headline tour to date with August Burns Red in support. Before then, they will unveil “Axis Mundi” to the world. Here’s a sneak preview of what we can expect…
Well, let’s start off by saying that there’s a target audience for the type of music Imminence are putting out. A style firmly rooted in modern metalcore, and given my love of post- and black metal, I’m not really in this target audience. However, there’s a lot to appreciate, and there are probably more similarities between my preferred styles of music and Imminence’s style.
Metalcore was my first love, with the likes of Killswitch Engage, God Forbid, and Unearth being on my regular rotation in my early years. Imminence captures the modern end of this sound, especially with the ethereal aesthetic and cleanly sung choruses. Just listen to ‘If Not Now, When’ and see how quickly that infectious chorus gets implanted into your subconscious! These are the kind of anthems that will fill venues and have strangers singing in unison, like at the Manchester Academy. Kind of how Paleface Swiss did in January of this year! Though Imminence will have at least 3 months to prep their fans and allow them to get familiar. In the spirit of metalcore, they can switch this up with some sheer bloodcurdling screams that, when backed up with the crunching distorted guitars, will incite absolute riots! Take ‘Leviathan’ or ‘False Light’ for examples of both!
Though this isn’t really Imminence’s strength nor their unique selling point. ‘The Sword That Never Bends’ perhaps showcases one of the band’s biggest strengths: the violin. Used for centuries to convey powerful emotions and pull on the tightest of heartstrings, the little 4 string instrument adds an extra layer of depth and atmosphere that a digital instrument just simply cannot. You’ll find examples of the violin in multiple spots on this album. Especially in ‘Shed The Skin’. This is an emotional ballad that incorporates elements of contemporary music and the more melodic aspects of atmospheric metal. This gives the band the potential to achieve mainstream radio play and gain attention from the wider public eye that other metal bands simply haven’t gained yet. ‘Didn’t Think About You’ is another song which has a strong contemporary music spine and has that breakout potential. Especially with a storytelling narrative that’s so simple to get behind and relatable. Rather than the pretentious themes some of the black and post-metal bands sing about sometimes!
Whether we like it or don’t like it, Imminence is a rising force in the world of metal. “Axis Mundi” is going to gain the band a lot of mainstream attention whilst some of the balding angry gatekeepers will scream ‘IT’S NOT REAL METAL”. Well, times change, and Imminence is not only going with this change, but they’re also instigating this change!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Twisting In The Wind
02. The Sword That Never Bends
03. Devil May Try
04. Crestfallen
05. False Light
06. If Not Now, When
07. Didn’t Think About You (Lately)
08. Leviathan
09. Shed Your Skin
10. Power Divine
11. Exodus
LINKS:
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