Imperial Vengeance - At the going down of the Sun

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Imperial Vengeance - At the going down of the Sun

They Say :-
Imperial Vengeance is a British extreme metal act formed in 2007 by C. Edward Alexander (Vocals, Guitars and Orchestration) and David Bryan (Bass, Lyrics) in an attempt to explore ideas and material firmly rooted in the glory days of the British Empire and presenting a wide range of subjects influenced by its’ colourful social and military histories, theatre, literature and mythologies.

We Say :- There is something special about Imperial Vengeance. Maybe it's the image or maybe it's the imagery, but it is undeniable that the British Extreme Metal band have something fresh and interesting to offer.

In fact, can we get the 'Extreme Metal' thing out the way first. IV aren't an Extreme Metal band in the way you may understand it. OK, so they have their heavy, fast and loud moments but these are interwoven with more laid back and mellow periods. It's a mix that fits in with the whole concept of a band who combine awesome songs with an interesting image and it's a combination that works beautifully.

No dumb three minute thrashers here. IV have an intelligence and lyrical complexity that is rare, and which combined with brilliant composition, arrangement and performance lifts this band far above the ordinary. The glories of Britain's past provide rich pickings for Dave Bryan's frankly brilliant lyrics. Show me another lyricist who can name check pre-Roman British tribes in 'Trinovantes', or World War 2 bomber pilots in '6th Airborne Division' without sounding, well, shit.

You see, the thing about IV is that, ok, you may have to go and Wiki some of the references if you want to know exactly what they're on about but this doesn't get in the way of enjoying the music at all.

From the moment this album opens with the orchestral strains of 'The Drop' then sounds the air raid siren and crashes into '6th Airborne Division', until the very last note of 'Trinovantes' this album holds your attention. It's a record that demands you don't only hear it, but also that you listen.

High points, there are many. '6th Airborne Division' (video below) gives a feel for the visual imagery and musical quality of this bands output. The album's title track is also outstanding, condensing all the things that make this band what they are into 6 and a half minutes. This is made more poignant by the inclusion of the voice of Harry Patch, the last surviving British veteran of the World War 1 trenches.

Imperial Vengeance have released a brilliant album in 'At the going down of the Sun'. These guys are definitely one to watch and we are very much keeping our fingers crossed for a UK tour soon.

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