Prime [LP]

Imperialist - Prime [LP]

"Prime" is the long awaited follow-up album to 2021's "Zenith" and Imperialist have only spent the years honing their craft while keeping the death-touched sci-fi black metal sound intact. The songs are tighter and more intricate than ever before, reinforced further with thrash metal elements, and they showcase the darkness and menace displayed on the previous EP but also the maturity in songwriting, allowing piercing leads and shards of melodies and to shimmer through and liven up the proceedings lest they get too bereft of earthly feelings. Mixed and mastered by Dan Swano, the sound is kept clear and sharp, ensuring that no facets of their throbbing, undulating music are lost in the process. The sci-fi obsession too has been taken to the next level here, with none other than Eliran Kantor bringing their vision to life via a staggering two-panel artwork. The music oozes passion and dedication at every level, and every listen will prove to be a testament to that. This could very well be the best Imperialist album till date and given their faultless discography till date, that is saying something.