Album Review: FOR THE IMPERIUM – Hail The Monsters

Graphite Records (Release date – out now)

Being a rock reviewer you are spoilt for choice when it comes to pigeonholing bands. There are so many genres and sub genres within rock that you can usually find one to fit the band, job done. However occasionally a band comes along that are so eclectic and chaotic that they are impossible to label, For The Imperium are most definitely in this category .

On first listen to this album I only lasted a couple of minutes, techno like keyboards hail the start of ‘Take A Breath, Now You’re Going To War’ which then descends into rabid guitar work, machine gun vocals and drumming from Animal of The Muppets, it is not a gentle introduction. However persevere with the record and it all starts to make sense of sorts.

Pendulum in a pub brawl with Sikth is a good indication of the music the guys produce. At times songs appear to be total chaos then from out of nowhere the band pull it all together for moments of glorious clarity and melody.

The technical skills on show throughout the album are jaw dropping at times as demonstrated on possibly the highlight of the disc, ‘Northern Rampage’, which packs so much into 3 minutes and 33 seconds it is hard to take in on first listen.

Other highlights, like the off kilter riffs, come thick and fast. Whether it is the short sonic blast of ‘Sexual Advisory (Explicit Content)’ or the epic ‘Heaven Shall Fall/ Hell Will Return’ which showcases the band’s songwriting and playing talents perfectly, all tracks are highly impressive.

For The Imperium have created an album which entertains and challenges in equal measure. Whether you consider it the product of twisted minds or twisted genius will depend on how open you are to accepting the new. The band though have also catered for those of a nervous disposition, just jump straight to the discotastic closing number, ‘ Dirty Animal, Go And Saved Yourself!’, and boogie on down. They really do cover all bases!

****

David Wilson

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)