EP REVIEW: Year Of The Four Emperors – Ex Deo

Since forming in 2008 as an outlet for KATAKLYSM vocalist Maurizio Iacono to explore his heritage and blood ties to the Roman Empire, EX DEO has become a firm favourite in heavy music circles. Although live appearances are sporadic, the band’s studio output has been consistently solid, with 2021’s The Thirteen Years Of Nero saga of Rome’s infamous emperor being a very impressive listening experience. Four years later and new EP Year Of The Four Emperors is here to plug the gap as we await our next full incursion into the history books.

Whilst The Thirteen Years Of Nero spans the reign of Rome’s infamous figurehead, this EP instead zeroes in on one of Rome’s most turbulent periods; the Year Of The Four Emperors. Across its four tracks, named after the four emperors who ruled in succession, this time, the band explore the turbulence of AD 69, a year that saw widespread upheaval, rebellion and turmoil across the Roman Empire.

Wasting no time, opening track Galba declares the death of Nero and proceeds to launch EX DEO on a forward assault with the same raw power as a Roman legion. Rolling drums cascade and keep the pace hurtling forwards, orchestral arrangements bend and soar and Maurizio Iacono‘s instantly recognisable barks and snarls hit the mark ever so well. In particular, the build and cascade of drums and stomping riffs feels akin to the march of the Roman legions. As far as opening impressions go, it’s a bombastic and triumphant, the audio companion to Galba‘s ascension to the throne.

From there, across a lean runtime, EX DEO keep the punches coming. Otho‘s militaristic drums creates the audio equivalent of volleying siege weaponry as it rolls over you like thunder and guitars lure and allure before the band soars into one of the most epic passages on the entire EP. Elsewhere, the likes of Vitellius boasts thumping riffs that strike like a hammer to anvil and an impressive vocal display from Iacono and EP closer Vespasian strikes a claim as one of the finest songs EX DEO have crafted to date. Here, every component that makes this band special fire on all cylinders and showcases EX DEO at their most powerful. It’s absolutely magnificent and we can only imagine how enormous it will sound in the live arena.

Whilst other bands that fall under the historical tag in their themes and subject matter, it’s always impressive how EX DEO go beyond adopting a mere gimmick, instead incorporating the Roman Empire into a fundamental component of their craft. The subject matter keeps the band laser focused, instead crafting epic passages that perfectly capture the turmoil and sense of awe of one of humanity’s greatest empires. Whether it’s 2009’s debut Romulus, 2012’s exploration into the insanity of Caligula, the pivotal conflict between Rome and Carthage on 2017’s The Immortal Wars, or a stroll through the reign of the infamous Nero in 2021’s effort, EX DEO channel the historical theme to create music that truly transcends.

With Year Of The Four Emperors, EX DEO have provided – albeit brief – another slab of epic historical death metal. For history geeks and fans of extreme music alike, EX DEO are one of metal’s most consistently impressive bands and for the glory of Rome, draw your sword and explore the Year Of The Four Emperors.

Rating: 8/10

Year Of The Four Emperors is out now via Napalm Records.

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