Album Review: Imperium – Exodus Unknown
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
The British underground thrash scene is in reasonably good health right now with the likes of Oldham’s Tortured Demon, Derby’s Devastator and Norfolk’s Struck A Nerve leading the charge alongside old schoolers Lawnmower Deth. However, with the release of their debut album, London quintet Imperium could be about to join them as their modern thrash sound and razor-sharp riffs explode onto the scene.
I first saw the group at Thrashchester in 2024 and commented back then that in vocalist Ben Porter they have a firebrand of a frontman with the riffs to back up their intensity. So, I was intrigued to review this album, to see how they’ve progressed in that period. It all starts with “Hell and High Water” which gives a great indicator as to what the album will sound like, with strong guitars, a great opening riff, huge drums, commanding vocals and a beastly bass sound.
The album title track is next, led by drummer James Hawes, but it’s the bass from Jean-Raphael Cross that stands out for me before lead guitarist Hardip Sagoo takes control of proceedings. It’s a strong song that will be quite brutal in a live setting, and the solo midway through is particularly pleasing on the ear. “Reap What You Sow” has that kind of old school thrash intro, but with a modern twist, alongside an anthemic chorus line which will resonate with audiences, as they chant it back at a, no doubts, smiling band.
Again, the guitar work is impressive from Sagoo and Scott Lomas and it leads into “Unstoppable” a further sonic assault on our senses. They mix their tempos well on this track, with a slower section before it bursts back to life with some crunchy guitar notes accompanying the tight rhythm section. They strip the sound back with a slower, ballad esque beginning to “The Gun” as the guitars become more of the focus with the drums being more forceful as the song progresses. The vocals are given a proper work out on this track, with Porter going through his range efficiently, and in parts he’s very Chuck Billy.
They return to a heavier and faster sound on “Hangman” which has more venom to all aspects of their music and is easily my favourite song on the album. It’s relentless and I love hearing that bass lick just before the solo kicks in as the track flows effortlessly before another feisty little number entitled “Tread The Serpent”. With plenty of angry vocals to match the hostile composition, it clicks along at quite a speed, which is always great to hear. They end it off quite appropriately with “The End” a sombre, more reflective track, that demonstrates their varied approach to the entire album, which works well for them, to wrap up an absorbing debut release.
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