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Imperium Dekadenz – Into Sorrow Evermore

imperium dekadenz – into sorrow evermore

Info

Imperium Dekadenz has been around for longer than some may think. Starting up in 2004 this German 2-man group has cranked out about seven albums now for the past 19 years, and according to most critics have not lost their steam yet. With lots of praise for their mix of Melodic Black Metal that seems to draw on so many influences, from Insomnium to pre symphonic Dimmu Borgir to parts of the Shadowthrone trilogy by Satyricon (before their Black n’Roll days), their music has a lot going for them, and their latest ‘Into Sorrow Evermore’ is no different. Compared to other releases it seems to have a few surprises, be it they are less acoustic and a little more piano oriented, or the typical Atmospheric Black Metal pattern of harsh melodic intro, acoustic interlude, and then harsh riffs again is broken and there is a lot more harshness overall. Tracks like the opening ‘Into Sorrow Evermore’ are a prime example of how the band takes fast, yet sorrowful melodic electric riffs similar to the likes of Insomnium and delivers it with a Black Metal touch. The raw voice of Horaz is pretty discernible in its mid paced shriek similar to early Satyricon but it isn’t quite too harsh like that of Wrest of Leviathan or too layered and echoing like that of Arioch of Funeral Mist. It borders right on that cusp of ‘kvlt’ meets ‘modern.’ The dual guitarwork with Vespasian is catchy, but still mournful and not quite that boppy Black n’ Roll catchy (like Satyricon’s ‘K.I.N.G.’). The wintery tone of the riffs are there, but not as distortion soaked as some of the other Atmospheric/ Melodic Black Metal bands out there tend to do. The band also employs some spoken word elements to mix things up such as on ‘Truth Under Stars.’ A little layered and little echoing, it still adds some more depth for the listener rather than having to hear harsh Black Metal vocals all the way through the album.

Piano seems to be employed a little more than the usual acoustic tropes that a lot of listeners who have heard Imperium Dekadenz’s earlier work. ‘Aurora’ is a prime example of a shift in tone and while some might argue the track is a little stale with the constant buzz saw riffs and the piano plinks behind it, it serves up as one of the more melancholic and Doom driven tracks, again leaning more towards Insomnium territory. After this point the album just seems to take off on a straightforward Melodic Black Metal direction, staying mostly harsh as the 2 members hammer away on the kit and riffs with little room for any really softer interludes or peaceful moments. The strongest melodic moments come from ‘ Awakened Beyond Dreams’ which features that early Dimmu Borgir sound (pre ‘Puritania…’ days) that is still Norwegian and icy but nowhere near as chaotic sounding, and then things suddenly slow down for the doomy, quiet drawn out riffs before exploding again. It is unpredictable and helps break the monotony a bit of some of the song structure. For those looking for a bit more featured bass and drum work which tends to be lost in the storm of riffs, ‘November Monument’ has an excellent section that plods along but will reminds listeners of some of the slower Marduk ‘Wormwood’ moments. It is Doom soaked, but still very Melodic Black Metal.

The closing ‘Memories…’ brings things back full circle with the Insomnium influences again but the pace is a bit slower compared to the opening track. A barrage of drumming keeps with the riffs and that wintery storm feel starts to creep on again, but without the distortion to make it howl. The keyboards are present, but a little bit more subtle. Whether it is the raging riffs or production, for some reason they just don’t seem as prominent compared to past work. Overall, those who have heard of Imperium Dekadenz’s mid era work like ‘Meadows of Nostalgia’ might be a little sad that the band scaled back on the epic proportions, and used less acoustic/ Folk styled moments on ‘Into Sorrow Evermore,’ but the core result is still strong and falls right in line with the good things people have said about this band in the past. A continuation of a long line of good albums and albums yet to come in the Melodic Black Metal realm that tackles things a little differently than some might expect. ‘Into Sorrow Evermore’ is a type of album that both Melodeath and Meloblack fans can easily get behind.

Imperium Dekadenz

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