ALBUM REVIEW: When We Are Forgotten – Imperium Dekadenz

Black metal seems to be as relevant as ever. MAYHEM is still overseeing the flock, British black metal is worshipped around the world and blackgaze is on the rise. The style has evolved with some bands exploring the more melodic and atmospheric elements of metal’s most infamous genre. German duo IMPERIUM DEKADENZ do just that but refuse to be tagged with the ‘melodic black metal’ tag. Focussing on the ambiance and emotion of the music, new album When We Are Forgotten is an unforgettable collection of vehemence.

When We Are Forgotten does not begin how you’d expect a black metal album to start. The title track does not feature your usual intro of the cacophony of all Hell breaking loose. Instead, the listener is faced with a considered approach which enforces IMPERIUM DEKADENZ‘s own brand of metal. If this doesn’t appeal, then don’t fret yet, as a familiar blackened ruckus kicks in before the verse. Atmospheric rather than violent, IMPERIUM DEKADENZ sound more like a cross between WINTERFYLLETH, ENSLAVED and INSOMNIUM compared to their more ‘kvlt’ brothers. They even throw in some blackgaze for the chorus which brings the emotion to the fore.

Bis Ich Bin sees the band flex their traditional black metal muscles with the devastating vocals and ferociously paced drums and guitars. The tone overall is devilishly darker than the opening track, enforcing a chill to proceedings which sends us into a wintery despair. The chill remains with the modest My Solace I (Choirs Of Solitude). Spoken word makes the track sound more like a sermon and the effect is astounding. Resonating guitars provide a soaring soundscape, creating an impenetrable mood. Never has a song title felt so apt, with no escape from the overwhelming isolation.

Trauma is a little instrumental slice of refuge before A Cave Called Wisdom storms in. Menacing power bleeds from every note with moments of irresistible triumph. There is a rich depth to IMPERIUM DEKADENZ‘s sound which proves less is more when it comes the number of band members. However, when their sound starts to become comfortable, they throw a surprise in the works. Transcendence is dominated by a riff that can only be described as joyous. As the song title suggests, this track ascends from the predictable darkness bands feel inclined to omit and it provides a breath of fresh air halfway through When We Are Forgotten.

Ghostly interlude Seance soothes and spooks before the pummelling riffs of Absenz Elysium intrude on the serenity. With intense drumming, savage screams and prayer-like chants, this track is one hell of a beastly journey. Things settle again with My Solace II (Paths Of Perception). If you hadn’t got enough of My Solace I (Choirs Of Solitude), then the sequel continues the modest black metal atmospherics with aplomb. The dramatic riff cascades are absolutely colossal and really drive the sense of longing home. Penultimate track Reverie is an acoustic beauty. Dark and brooding, it is the perfect prelude to album finale Frozen In Time. Elements of the finale hark back to motifs heard earlier in the album, making When We Are Forgotten come full circle and it is deeply satisfying. IMPERIUM DEKADENZ whisper and solo their way through the track before huge walls of sound close the album.

It’s unbelievable the soundscapes the duo are able to create and it is this winning dynamic which is sure to propel IMPERIUM DEKADENZ further into the icy hearts of black metal fans. When We Are Forgotten is a superb example of atmospheric extreme metal with its chilling twists and turns and monstrous surprises. With summer nearing its end, let IMPERIUM DEKADENZ be the soundtrack to your wintery evenings ahead.

Rating: 8/10

When We Are Forgotten is set for release August 30th via Napalm Records. 

Like IMPERIUM DEKADENZ on Facebook.