“Marvelous Sounds of Dissonant Ecstasy” – Imperial Triumphant Create Wonderous Memories in Los Angeles

October 5th, 2022

Performing over 80 shows all across the globe, including their latest album, Spirit of Ecstasy, 2022 has been an eventful and outstanding year for Imperial Triumphant. Representing the opening act for the Zeal & Ardor tour, the heaviest and most chaotic band musically, would be the first one to watch, every night.

Be it seeing the band twice in Brooklyn last Halloween weekend, and as main support for Immolation earlier this year, the glorious theatrics and dooming atmosphere are still a must-see. From their haunting, wicked attire on-stage, to the PA voice guiding various songs and intros in the set, your vision fixates on what you’re witnessing, as well as the sonically, demented picked chords, Imperial Triumphant is properly known for executing. Only one song from the new record, “Tower of Glory, City of Shame” represented the raw, gut-wrenching yet balanced production from Spirit of Ecstasy, with the mid-tempo intro riff swelling in volume, keeping this watchful, engaged audience on bated breath. The rising buildup from the absolute mastery of Kenny Grohowski’s immense, technical and colourfully creative drumming abilities, were able to be felt as fiercely as the band’s higher tempo material. Especially heard in the ending of the track, with the cymbal/bass drum hit frequently rising in accentuating speed, alongside Zachary Ezrin and Steve Blanco matching this ferocious monster of an outro, and the crowd reacting to each note/hit performed, made for being hopefully a staple in Imperial Triumphant’s unforgettable sets. Next to Jamie St. Merat of Ulcerate, Kenny’s arguably one of the greatest drummers I’ve had the honour of seeing. Mr. Haake certainly knows what he’s talking about.

Ezrin’s belting growl continue to stand out, without being too guttural and lost in sound from the amount of dark musical waves flying across the room. His sense of blackhearted melody, and use of unorthodox pick scrapes, harmonics, and sliding tremolo riffs, is something you can not only feel whirling, and also wish to learn more about on the ‘how’ of his style. Blanco’s high-note bass riffs, as well as slap technique and grand use of a mixture of noise effect pedals, brought a unique shining light into their set. Even in the “Bass Solo” played, all while jumping down to the roaring, cheering crowd, the musical paintbrush of those aquatic, layering, pummeling notes, was a treat to enjoy. Each band member brings a fresh, deviant musical quality to Imperial Triumphant, and including a fine taste in quality champagne, popping those corks to a thirsty audience, helping themselves to the sophisticated drink, created from Dionysus himself.

Being spoiled watching their both headlining shows in NY, and a longer set with Immolation, the only downside was the length of Imperial Triumphant’s set. 35-minutes simply isn’t enough to truly enjoy their outstanding transitions and behemoth-dooming riffs. Given, they are opening the tour, so you understand, but even just one more song would have topped off their set, to the most exquisite icing on the proverbial cake. However, being on a touring bill like this, and playing to solid-sized, well attended venues, I have no doubt the fans tonight and beyond, will be as anxious to watch Imperial Triumphant play again. They deserve all the rest from a grueling, and yet eventful touring year. In the books, with another memorable, sensational performance.

1. Tower of Glory, City of Shame

2. Atomic Age

3. Bass Solo

4. Chernobyl Blues

5. Rotted Futures