At any given moment, there are throngs upon throngs of bands out in the vast wilderness of black metal that are able to bring something of value to the table, yet those that are able to continuously improve upon their craft and become a certifiable powerhouse of ingenuity and passion are few and far between in every sense. But that’s part of what makes them stand out in the first place, isn’t it? When Imperialist really first started making waves with their album “Cipher” seven years ago, I don’t think many of us were ready for the streak of dominance that would follow. Now, with their third album, this act presents us with what may well be their finest yet.

It’s always tempting to make bold claims of greater heights and newfound splendor whenever a rising band puts out a new record of real substance, but it’s not always the case. After all, just because something is new that doesn’t automatically make it superior by default. Yet, there are always exceptions to that rule with certain bands only seeming to age like the finest wine with time being magnificently kind to them and their craft as they get better and better with each release. For all that they’ve brought to the table within the scathing expanse of “Prime”, it is awfully tempting to make the claim that Imperialist has reached a certifiable new high. Taking their particular brand of thrashy black metal further into the chaotic cosmos than ever before, there’s no way to deny that “Prime” is an absolute ripper! From its whiplash-inducing riffs to its blistering speed to its sci-fi backdrop that has been honed to a magnificent edge, there isn’t so much as an iota of this record that isn’t oozing with menace or irrefutable mastery over the space between the stars and the warring civilizations that surround them. Tighter production, crisp and clean songwriting with maximum euphoria around every corner, and a deep understanding of the craft that somehow feels more mature and satisfying than what has come before, Imperialist dominates yet again with everything that was brought to the frontlines to make “Prime” an offensive that’s the definition of obliterating!

The cosmos has always stood as tremendous inspiration for all sorts of act with its infinite expanse sure to keep on giving, but there is just something about what Imperialist pulls off within this opus that one cannot help but get the feeling that a new height has been ascertained. Eviscerating from the get-go and downright addicting for all that it manages to be, Imperialist should be extremely proud of all that it accomplished within the entirety of “Prime” with t sure to stand as one of the finest in this corner of the underground for years to come. Or, at least, until Imperialist comes back around.

“Prime” releases on September 5th via Transcending Obscurity Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Prime” on Bandcamp here.

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