Over the years metal and its sub genres have progressed and increased in complexity thanks to the inspiration from bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan, Napalm Death, Deathspell Omega, and Meshuggah. New York’s Imperial Triumphant draw on the experimentation of these artists for inspiration to blend black metal with classical, death metal, and psychedelic influences. Their latest full length Abyssal Gods is a dark and innovative album that uses well-crafted compositions to take the metal sound in new directions. The record’s message focuses on the eventual extinction of mankind, which is rather appropriate, since the album’s eerie mood would be the perfect soundtrack to the apocalypse. The group’s drummer Alex Cohen wields a manic and diverse style of playing, due to his background in jazz, that is the backbone of their sound. In the record, Imperial Triumphant fearlessly pushes the envelop in every song with carefully crafted guitar tones, uniquely arranged piano pieces, complex tempo alternations, angular sections borrowed from math rock, and overall outstanding production values – this is a brutal record that’s actually easy on the ears. Those enjoyng this kind of music shouldn’t miss their show at Trans Pecos on August 19th! – John Honan
