Review: “Year of the Four Emperors” by Ex Deo

After four years in the wilderness and four full length albums, Ex Deo return with their first EP “Year of the Four Emperors”, a concept record which plunges the listener into the chaos and bloodlust of one of Rome’s most tumultuous periods: AD 69. Tales of relentless ambition, treachery, and warfare that defined the reigns of Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian culminating in the rise of the Flavian dynasty are on offer, told by Kataklysm frontman Maurizio Iacono. His Symphonic Death Metal solo project finds him joined by Jean-François Dagenais and Stéphane Barbe on guitars, Dano Apekian (Ashes Of Eden) on bass, and James Payne on drums as they assume the roles of warriors, historians and musical architects…

Rich orchestrations enhance the powerful Death Metal of “Galba” as Iacono spits and snarls his way through the lyrical narrative in venomous fashion, their sombre nature giving the sound a dimension befitting of the might of Ancient Rome. A rousing anthem that details the emperors ruthless ascent and swift downfall over six minutes and sixteen seconds, it serves as a timely reminder of the rich past of Ex Deo while being a powerful statement piece at the same time. Influences in Amon Amarth and Amorphis rise to the surface in “Otho“, ethnic flourishes and moments of Thrash riff elevating the sound alongside the well placed orchestrations. That all helps build the sense of epic majesty of this tale, the timeless struggle for power and glory stained in the blood of enemies and innocent bystanders alike. “Vitellius” plunges us into a more groove orientated sound, programming and orchestration adding to the sense of tension as the storyline plays out. Icy keys and a spoken word add to the melting pot, the power of this one with its cinematic frayed edges, not to be underestimated. A tale of a mighty harbinger of doom and creator of a new age “Vespasian” is arguably the most epic of this collection, as history is relived through the eyes of Iacono. Themes of ambition, betrayal and triumph rise like phoenix from the ashes, the vocalist transforming himself once more into the ultimate storyteller. As a record this one may not be as pound for pound heavy as others in the genre but that’s by no means a bad thing because that gives the opportunity for the stories to be heard [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Galba
2. Otho
3. Vitellius
4. Vespasian

“Year of the Four Emperors” by Ex Deo is out 10th January 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music