
Russian marching power!
-- Imperial Age --
13/01/2019
Stijn Daneels

Album genres:
■ | Symphonic metal |
Album artists:
■ | Alexander “Aor” Osipov | Vocals |
■ | Jane “Corn” Odintsova | Vocals |
■ | Anna “Kiara” Moiseeva | Vocals |
■ | Pavel “Vredes” Maryashin | Guitar |
■ | Dmitry “Belf” Safronov | Bass |
■ | Max Talion | Drums |
Review written by Glenn Van Bockstaele.
Imperial Age is a Russian symphonic metal band formed
in 2012, that same year they released their first album called “Turn The Sun
Off” as well as an EP called “Warrior Race” in 2016. Last October they brought
their successor to the Benelux (this album was first released in February 2018) called “The
Legacy Of Atlantis.” The album is released through Swedish record label Adulruna.
The album kicks off with “The Awakening,” a powerful and
catchy opener filled to the brim with typically symphonic metal elements. Then
comes the cinematic title track of “Legacy Of Atlantis,” which is more guitar
centered and with a lot of choir singing. Then comes “The Monastery,” a
beautiful and less bombastic track with flute, harp and an epic guitar solo
from Pavel. Up next is “Life Eternal,” a similarly styled track compared to “The
Monastery” but this time with more choir singing.
The album’s fifth track, “Domini Canes,” returns to
the orchestral furor from the first two songs and this time tenor Alexander employs
his wide vocal range to great extent. The next song, “Love Eternal,” ventures back to a more
soothing atmosphere with male and female vocals singing either in duet or in
harmony. Then comes “The Escape,” a fast, upbeat and slightly folk and power
metal tune, but of course still having the typical choir chants that are so prevalent
in Imperial Age’s music. The following song, “Islands In Time,” is another
track with a gentle start of piano and flute before the guitars, drums,
orchestra and chants kick in. Similar stuff to what I’ve already heard multiple
times throughout this release. And finally the track “And I Shall Find My Home”
provides another piece of orchestral chants combined with fast paced riffs and
beats that nicely wrap up the album.
One thing I personally dislike about the album is
singer Alexander’s tenor vocal style. Many times throughout the album he sounds
highly aggravated, especially when he’s singing on his own. I believe him singing in a more
natural sounding voice would be more enjoyable to listen to, as he shows in the
“Domini Canes” track. As for the sopranos Jane and Anna, their voices are
better suited for Imperial Age’s overall sound as they carry a classic
female-fronted symphonic metal vibe. Vocalists aside, the band manages to successfully
create a cinematic, larger-than-life atmosphere using various instruments like
violin, piano, flute, harp, fast drum beats and excellent guitar work. It all feels
very Russian (despite the English lyrics), operatic and even slightly
militaristic. Although I felt the album to be a bit repetitive and too
over-the-top for my taste this is still a fun symphonic metal release for
everyone who’s into this particular subgenre. Here’s an officially recorded
live performance of Imperial Age playing the album’s final track, “And I Shall
Find My Home.” Also be sure to check out the band’s official website (http://www.imperial-age.com) to download some of their songs for free.
65/100