Ex Deo - Year Of The Four Emperors - review
Ex Deo - Year Of The Four Emperors - review
Tracklist
01. Galba02. Otho
03. Vitellius
04. Vespasian
A review by
omne metallum January 25, 2025
How often do you think of the Roman empire? Well, if you're Ex Deo, pretty much constantly. While the Roman empire may not have conquered these Canadians homelands, they won their hearts and minds, with this EP being the fifth release by Roman larpers Ex Deo. While a four-track EP seems oddly short, it fits the context upon which the work is based on, and flows naturally as a result.
Managing to balance the needs of the narrative with entertainment value, Ex Deo continue to walk that fine line on Year Of The Four Emperors in style. While a good concept, it would be for nought if it wasn't well executed, something which the band ensure isn't the case. The bombastic symphonic elements mix well with both the band's death metal roots and the glory of Rome... I mean, the story at hand.
With each track highlighting a different aspect of the band's sound, it's very much a case of which element do you prefer in terms of picking a highlight. "Vitellious" is a slower track that leans on its crushing rhythm to keep your mind occupied, while "Otho" is the most symphonic and grandiose (which history fans will find ironic) of the four.
The EP is well produced, managing to encompass the various aspects of the band's style, and does so without any part seeming a weak link. This does have the drawback that fans who want more death in their death metal (then listen to the EP while reading up on the battle of Ilipa) might find the band restrain themselves on that front somewhat. Though this is merely an inconvenience, rather than a Hannibal ante Portas moment.
Friends, legions, Romans, metalheads, Year Of The Four Emperors is thankfully an enjoyable listen, and a strong EP, hopefully signalling a full-length release in the not too distant future.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 8 |
| Songwriting: | 7 |
| Originality: | 5 |
| Production: | 8 |
Written on 25.01.2025 by
Written on 25.01.2025 by
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I'm not listening. Comments
Comments:
3
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100 users
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Posts: 226  |
Posts: 226
I once suggested to Maurizio that he should do an album with Ex Deo about the Year of the Five Emperors. I feel cheated now 
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Posts: 217  |
Posts: 217
Do we know who is the artist of the album cover ? It feels AI generated and some search online returned nothing . But maybe I am overly suspicious these days
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Posts: 39  |
Posts: 39 Written by ForestsAlive on 26.01.2025 at 16:59 You have every right to be suspicious. This shit looks very ai.
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