Imperial Vengeance - At the Going Down of the Sun

October 5, 2009

Reviewer: J. A. Burt

British duo Imperial Vengeance have delivered At the Going Down of the Sun, their classy, war-themed full-length debut on Candlelight Records, and it’s immediately recognizable as the output of a band that absolutely bears watching in the coming years.  The songwriting on display, as well as Imperial Vengeance’s steely grasp on effective dynamics, is of a caliber sure to guarantee the band’s longevity.

Playing a style that exists as almost a sort of hybrid between the harder edges of melodic death metal, and symphonic black metal, Imperial Vengeance have created an album that should really appeal to a broad spectrum of the extreme metal listening audience.  The songs, like the interestingly titled “Aristocratic Sex Magick” are full of intriguing, textured riffs, and are extremely well written, going through thoughtful changes with an impeccable sense of melody.  On “The Drop”, and elsewhere, lush orchestral passages surface and manage bombast without pomposity, while “From Childhood’s Hour” features a morose yet dignified cello performance further expanding Imperial Vengeance’s dexterity. 

Things do get a bit keyboard heavy at times, however.  When the keys are being used as a piano, the effect is quite positive, but at several points they employ a spacey, calliope/theremin-type sound effect, that is a tad distracting and a little out of place.  A drum machine is utilized on At the Going Down of the Sun, and while it is definitely masterfully programmed, I can’t help but think that the material would be even more impressive with the flourish and feel that can only be achieved by an organic drummer.  Luckily, Imperial Vengeance has recently recruited several additional members (including a drummer) to use on upcoming live dates, and here’s to hoping we get to hear this lineup on the next album as these guys are writing songs that deserve to be performed by a full band, and heard by as many people as possible.

Release Date: July 20th, 2009
Label: Candlelight Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  The Drop
2.  6th Airborne Division
3.  Aristocratic Sex Magick
4.  Unto that End
5.  At the Going Down of the Sun
6.  From Childhood’s Hour
7.  Cwn Anwwn
8.  Jus Ad Bellum
9.  Theory of the Grotesque
10.  Trinovantes

Total playing time: 60:05

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