The first time I heard Imperial Triumphant I was blown away. Alphaville had a rare effect on me; it took me completely by surprise. The follow up - this album - did not have that same effect.
Spirit of Ecstasy is exceptionally well executed, deranged and twisted. It just doesn't hit me like Vile Luxury or Alphaville do. The shock factor is gone. The music is good, just not up to the same standard that was set with the prior two albums. I think I'm used to their style and I've been desensitized to it.
The music on Imperial Triumphant's current album is the logical extension of Alphaville. There is large helping of jazz influence along side various other genres (noise, ambient, etc) to go with the metal.
The song structures are chaotic, the riffs mimic city noise much more so than anything musical. Much like Alphaville drumming is a true highlight. The beats that Kenny is able to come up with to fit the music is among the elite in the genre. If anything his performance is going to be what draws me back for repeated listens.
While the album does not meet the standard set by previous releases, it still is a competent slice of the avant-garde. This will get repeated spins over the year, just likely not as many as the prior album.
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