It has been a long time coming. Far too long, but then the saying good things come to those who wait could easily be applied to the debut album Exodus Unknown by London quintet Imperium.
Imperium – Exodus Unknown
Release Date: 17 July 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
It is unfair to say that they have been quiet. This is a band who have worked incredibly hard to maintain a presence. From their early days, the victory in the London Metal 2 The Masses competition in 2022 and subsequent triumphant New Blood Stage appearance, through to recent support slots with Venom Inc. these boys do not take the foot off the pedal.
What is immediately pleasing about Exodus Unknown is that it contains no songs that have been previously released. Something so many do, is fill the new release with tracks that we are familiar with.
No, Imperium serve up a tasty eight-track 45-minute slab of Metal that spans the Thrash genre with the wider spectrum of Heavy Metal. Often lumped in with the modern-day Thrashers, there is a bit more to this band than just face-ripping speed.
Like the sculptured handsome beasts that this gym-worshipping outfit are, there is little fat on Exodus Unknown. Lean yet powerful, muscular without the bloat, this is an album that demonstrates their commitment to the cause.
Honed on regular shows, gigging, and taking in guests who can help. In this case, it is the Demolition Man himself, Tony Dolan, who provides an extra element to new single Tread The Serpent.
It is a high-energy start. Hell And High Water sets out the band’s stall, singer Ben Porter sounding superb. He is singing rather than the earlier forced delivery, and it proves impressive. Although his delivery is a little one-dimensional, the power and passion of his gravel-soaked roar soon smooth out that criticism, as does the slower closer, The End, which sees him change tack.
If you like a dual guitar assault, then Imperium’s double axe attack should tick the boxes. Riffs are in high demand, whether it be slicing Thrash on debut single Exodus Unknown, the Anthrax chug on Reap What You Sow, or the muscular Unstoppable with its intricate fretwork, there is something for all.
And whilst the band certainly sound at their most comfortable when they are in full flight, they also have the balls to add a huge centrepiece to the album. The 8:25 The Gun stands as their most ambitious composition yet.
Drawing deeply on their wide influences, there are bits of Maiden and Metallica lurking here without ever taking over. And you know what, it bloody works too! A thunderous Metal pace with ample melody ensures that this is a real earworm which is already on repeat.
Whilst the album is impressive, there is not anything here that blew me away on first listen. It is a grower rather than an instant hit, and I, for one, welcome that. I do like to spend some time with a new release, and Exodus Unknown is a welcome companion.
The groove is evident throughout, with the title track sounding better on each listen. The true Thrasher here is Hangman, reminding us that come Bloodstock and Thrashchester, those circle pits should be rolling. When Imperium move, they move!
Oz Craggs has done a solid production job throughout. The balance sounds great with ample space for each instrument to breathe.
“We’re taking the next natural step, pushing harder while staying true to who we are. This record drives Imperium forward.”
For those who know the band, this statement rings true. For those yet to discover these boys, there are special treats ahead. Exodus Unknown is a fine debut, one that Ben, Scott, Hardip, Jean–Raphael and James should be rightly proud of.
Imperium release Exodus Unknown on 17 July 2026 via Heavy Metal Records. Pre-orders are available from lnk.to/exodus-unknown.
