Canadian symphonic death metal band Ex Deo ring in the new year with an EP, Year of the Four Emperors. Four years have passed since the band’s 2021 album Thirteens Year of Nero, and this new release literally picks up where Thirteen left off. Literally as in historically, as Nero committed suicide in 68 AD and 69 AD saw four men ascend the highest position in the Roman Empire. It is the perfect story for a metal record, and this release features four tracks titled after each emperor.
“Galba” is the longest track on Year, clocking in at over six minutes. The track opens with a brief spoken word where Galba is advised of Nero’s death and that an army is ready to march to Rome. Pounding drums and churning riffs drive this song forward like an army marching onward. The track’s midsection is a definite highlight with a grooving breakdown, somber strings and a haunting spoken word as Galba is decapitated and Otho is hailed as the new emperor. “Otho” commences with an interesting opening riff that reappear throughout the track. This song transitions from bludgeoning to bouncy, but maintains its dynamism through its duration. Otho’s fate is provided in a narrative as he commits suicide after losing in battle. “Vitellius” is next in line, and this track has an industrial influence with its electronic percussion and stomping guitar riffs. The crushing midsection breakdown and symphonic elements towards the end of the track liven it up, as we learn of Vitellius’s execution and his successor, Vespasian. “Vespasian” is the final track, and it is a triumphant one, as Vespasian would rule Rome for 10 years. The guitars, drums and symphonic samples play in tandem, as vocalist Mauricio Iacono sings of Vespasian’s victories on the battlefield and celebration as the newly crowned emperor.
This is a heavy metal history lesson, and I found myself reading about each emperor while listening to the tracks. Musically, Ex Deo stick to its signature melodic death metal with symphonic elements. This can lead to monotony as times, which is readily apparent on a four song EP. However, the symphonic elements and guitar riffs keep things interesting, especially when the band is in a groove. The production is fine and captures the epic feel that is needed on a release about corrupt Roman Emperors.
Year of the Four Emperors will tide of Ex Deo fans until the band releases a proper album. Again, I commend the band for covering such a fascinating part of history. The band could have pushed the envelope a little more with stringed samples and diverse guitar riffs, but it is probably saving the best stuff for the next album. Rome awaits the band’s return.
Check out the band’s Facebook page for news and tour dates: https://www.facebook.com/exdeo
