Ex Deo’s latest offering, Year of the Four Emperors, out January 10, 2025, is nothing short of a triumph in the realm of symphonic death metal. This EP marks the band’s first release under Reigning Phoenix Music, and it plunges listeners into the blood-soaked chaos of AD 69, a year defined by the rise and fall of four Roman emperors. Ex Deo has always been known for blending the ferocity of death metal with historical grandeur, and this release further solidifies their reputation as masterful storytellers.
The EP opens with “Galba,” a thunderous anthem that sets the tone for the entire record. The track wastes no time, with symphonic arrangements that evoke the imposing halls of Roman power, juxtaposed against Maurizio Iacono’s guttural roar recounting Galba’s rise and rapid downfall. The orchestral layers, crafted by Clemens Wijers (Carach Angren), are meticulously woven with the band’s punishing, yet groovy guitar riffs and blast beats, creating a soundscape as grand and volatile as the Roman Empire itself.
The EP's second track is “Otho,” which brings a melodic death metal edge reminiscent of Amon Amarth. The song captures the desperation and cunning of Emperor Otho’s short-lived reign, with hauntingly melodic guitar leads and a chorus that feels like a battle cry echoing through the ages. The interplay between aggression and melody in this track is particularly striking, highlighting the human ambition and hubris that often lead to tragedy.
“Vitellius,” the EP's massive-sounding third track, delves into the corruption and gluttony that marked this emperor’s tenure of Rome. The track leans heavily on immense groove-laden guitar riffs and an ominous tone, perfectly mirroring the decay of Vitellius’s reign. The lyrics are biting and visceral, painting a vivid picture of betrayal and eventual defeat.
The EP concludes with the song, “Vespasian,” a triumphant closing track that celebrates the rise of the Flavian dynasty. The orchestration is at its most expansive here, underscoring the themes of renewal and stability following the chaos. This track feels like a grand finale, offering a sense of closure while leaving listeners in awe of Ex Deo’s ability to continue weaving Roman history into metal music.
The production, handled by the band's guitarist Jean-François Dagenais, is flawless, with each instrument given space to shine while contributing to the EP’s colossal sound. Iacono’s commanding vocal delivery anchors the EP's narrative, while the guitar works of Dagenais and Barbe delivers a mix of crushing heaviness and intricate melody. James Payne’s drumming is relentless, driving the EP forward with precision and intensity.
The orchestral arrangements deserve a special mention, as they elevate the EP from a metal record to a cinematic experience. Wijers’ compositions seamlessly integrate with the band’s sound, creating moments of both grandeur and dread.
Year of the Four Emperors is a testament to Ex Deo’s unmatched ability to blend historical narrative with symphonic death metal. The EP captures the chaos, ambition, and brutality of one of Rome’s most infamous periods, delivering an experience that is as intellectually engaging as it is sonically devastating.
With this release, Ex Deo proves they remain at the forefront of their genre, crafting music that is both monumental in scope and unrelenting in its execution. Fans of symphonic and death metal alike will find Year of the Four Emperors to be a masterpiece worthy of repeated listens. It's a must-listen for anyone who revels in the marriage of history and metal, and it sets a high bar for the genre in 2025.
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