Gold (star), always believe in your soul.
The evolution of Imperial Triumphant is a fascinating journey through the realms of avant-garde metal. Initially, the band drew inspiration from the iconic sounds of Immortal, but over time, they have carved out a unique niche that blends blackened death metal with elements of Americana and technical prowess. Their previous albums, such as Abyssal Gods and Vile Luxury, showcased this evolution, and now, with their sixth studio album, Goldstar, they continue to push boundaries. Released three years after their last full-length album, this new offering follows a curious EP of covers, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Goldstar kicks off with a thunderous track titled “Eye of Mars,” immediately showcasing the band’s signature sound. One of the standout moments on the album occurs in “Gomorrah Nouveaux,” where the unexpected infusion of gnawa music creates a seamless blend that feels both surprising and fitting. This track also highlights the impressive bass work of Steve Blanco, whose contributions resonate throughout the album.
The lyrical themes in “Lexington Delirium” reflect the band’s admiration for New York City’s architecture, infusing a sense of place into their music. “Hotel Sphinx” follows, offering a delightful mix of tremolos and tightly executed riffs, further demonstrating the band’s versatility. A surprising twist comes with “NEWYORKCITY,” a grindcore-infused track that continues the tradition of featuring guest artists, including Yoshiko Ohana, in their discography. This is followed by the interlude “Goldstar,” which adopts a barbershop quartet style, perfectly aligning with Imperial Triumphant’s eclectic vibe and evoking memories of the intro to “Atomic Age” from Alphaville.
The heaviest offering on the album, “Rot Moderne,” exemplifies the band’s blackened death metal roots. The drumming on this track is particularly noteworthy, featuring a breakdown that feels fresh rather than clichéd. “Pleasuredome” showcases more of the band’s technical prowess, incorporating elements of maracatu music from Brazil. This track also features drumming contributions from legends Dave Lombardo and Thomas Haake of Meshuggah. However, Haake’s presence feels somewhat subdued, and his contributions might go unnoticed without prior knowledge of his involvement.
Closing out the album is “Industry of Misery,” which encapsulates the band’s versatility with its dissonant soundscapes and impactful lyrics, such as “Bring down the guillotine.” This track serves as a fitting conclusion to an album that explores a myriad of musical styles and themes.
Overall, Goldstar represents a significant improvement over their previous album, Spirit of Ecstasy. While it retains the core elements that define Imperial Triumphant’s sound, it feels larger and more dynamic, making it a refreshing listen. The shorter length of this album compared to their last two releases also makes it more accessible, especially for a band known for their rich and complex sound. Although it may not quite reach the heights of Vile Luxury for some fans, Goldstar stands as another commendable effort, successfully maintaining the band’s essence while introducing enough surprises to carve out its own identity within their discography.
4/5 Flaming Toilets ov Hell
Goldstar releases March 21 via Century Media Records.
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