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[ More Music Reviews ]

Imago Imperii: Fate Of A King

Melodic Heavy/Power Metal

3.5/5.0

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Lion Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 17.07.2019 | Released: 19.07.2019

If you hadn't guessed from their name Imago Imperii is from Italy. They been cruising the European metal underground since 2012. Not uncomnom to many bands, Imago Imperii has been frought with personnel changes along the way. They dropped their first long player, Legendaria in 2016. Now with a stable cast and crew, the band returns with their follow up,Fate Of A King, a concept album about English king Harold Godwinson who died in the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066 AD.

Imago Imperaii

Musically, Imago Imperii plays melodic heavy powe metal in the classic tradition, with the added nuances of bright keyboard, symphonic synths, and neo-classical guitar solos. New and current guitarist Luke Fortini is a fan of Yngwie Malsteem. You can hear the iconic guitarist in Fortini breathless and fiery solos as his fingertips tear up his fretboard. He may be the singular reason to check out this album. Otherwise, Imago Imperii's power metal is basically standard stuff: racing and bombastic with synth embellishment and a few solos, and sometimes with choral vocal refrains. Founding member and vocalist Fabio Guarnieri (Gwarner) has a raspy forceful voice that I often found grating and oppressive. Sometimes he seems to be venturing toward dirty vocals as within Conqueror for example. Ultimately, I think he's going for an assertive and raging metal vocal style. But then he allows his voice to be enveloped in choral vocals with his comrades, and so sounds better. Go figure.

Essentially, setting aside the vocals, if you like melodic power driven by gallop, groove, and neo-classical guitar work, you will enjoy Imago Imperii's Fate Of A King. Top song picks: Kingdom's United, The Landing, Harold Rex, and Saxon Warriors. Recommended.

Nocturne Wulf: Nocturne Wulf

Heavy/Speed/Thrash Metal

4.5/5.0

Hailing from Glasgow, Nocturne Wulf is a new metal band taking the Scottish highlands and the English countryside by storm. Formed a mere three years ago, the band ... [ Read More ]

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Essentially, if you like melodic power driven by gallop, groove, and neo-classical guitar work, you will enjoy Imago Imperii's Fate Of A King.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]