Review: “Exodus Unknown” by Imperium

Produced, Mixed and Mastered by Oz Craggs (Feed The Rhino, State Of You, Seething Akira) at Hidden Track Studios, “Exodus Unknown” is a debut album from a band who over the past four years have gone from strength to strength. A Thrash ‘n Heavy quintet hailing from London, Imperium made their mark with a debut self titled EP, a record which gave them the ammunition to take them to Bloodstock Open Air Festival where Machine Head mastermind Rob Flynn dropped everything to witness them from back stage. A year later they returned with the incredible “Where Kings Meet“, going on to share stages with Helgrind, Blood Oath and Red Method across the United Kingdom, the powerhouse that is “Iron Thunder” taking them to new heights.

Rising to the occasion, Imperium deliver a belting opening anthem in “Hell and High Water” that very much feels like the culmination of everything they’ve been working towards over the past five years. From Ben Porter’s powerful sing-a-long chorus to the sizzling Melodic Death Metal tinged solo, the cut is a classic of pure British Steel that honestly feels timeless, the band proving the reputation they have earned with blood, sweat and tears is one they can not only live up to but surpass, given the chance. Doubling down on the narrative the title track “Exodus Unknown” turns up the intensity as an old school Thrash anthem which wears its influences on its sleeves. An earworm main riff with that instant appeal of a lottery winning scratch card and the warmth of nostalgia, it’s one that has been designed for the mosh pit madness it will incite and raises the hairs on the back of the neck in the process.

In the background there has been a subtle evolution in the Imperium sound, the band writing longer songs that have the power to captivate without growing old with fleeting glimpses at other influences outside of the Thrash n’ Heavy sphere of influence appearing in nuanced moments. “Reap What You Sow” has a couple of these with a Traditional Heavy Metal bridge and a couple of cleaner vocal parts as the band expand their horizons without letting go of any of their roots. A fist pumping chorus makes for yet another moment which is going to go down a storm live as Metallica and Pantera influences continue to reign supreme. To use a metaphor, those influences are the equivalent of a slice of lemon or lime in your whiskey and coke, not overpowering but you notice when they’re absent. Maintaining perpetual forward momentum with sublime old school qualities “Unstoppable” has growled vocals and sinister riffs which more than enough put a smile on your face. It may not be as fierce, in your face or personal as the rest but it still packs plenty of punch.

Growing more expansive with longer instrumental passages “The Gun” almost reaches eight and a half minutes, the muscular rhythms and growled vocals making way for a virtuoso solo of epic proportions in the final third. It takes cojones to attempt something of this size and scale while keeping the attention of your audience but Imperium complete the task with consummate ease, even throwing a bass solo that emerges out from under the vocals which works incredibly well. I has to be said that its those little moments that make all the difference.

Shorter, sharper and a little more aggressive the galloping drums of “Hangman” provide covering fire for the racing guitars, the fret-boards left smouldering by calloused hands that know only one speed, especially when it comes to laying down solos. They burn with the intense heat of napalm, Hardip Sagoo a master who achieves maximum impact with each laser guided missile strike. It’s not just the quality of these songs that makes this record impressive but the consistency of the musicianship and the cohesiveness everything has when put together. So many bands put out a collection of songs but what Imperium have done is deliver something that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Bringing on board Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan of Venom Inc fame helps give “Tread the Serpent” that sprinkling of star dust on what is an absolute ripper. Rather than giving Dolan a verse of his own they have him alternate lines with Porter which not only helps give the song another dimension but also makes it stand out from the pack. Groove is in abundance, the bands twin axe attack having complete control as the bass rumbles and the drums thunder ensuing that Imperium have the strength to dominate. Perhaps sonically inspired by “Nothing Else Matters” by the aforementioned Metallica, a moment of reflection is offered with “The End“, it’s melody like the warmth of dawns first light. One of records more introspective lyrical moments, the single verse finds Porter in a sombre mood, the grit and integrity in his voice drawing you in. [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Hell and High Water
2. Exodus Unknown
3. Reap What You Sow
4. Unstoppable
5. The Gun
6. Hangman
7. Tread the Serpent (ft. Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan of Venom Inc)
8. The End

“Exodus Unknown” by Imperium is out 17th July 2026 via Heavy Metal Records