H.L.
EX DEO perform massive symphonic death metal with a historical Roman concept. Not only the music is monumental, the lyrics are also worth to have a look at, so far you are interested in history. For fans of Mayan, Aeternam or Nile to name bands following a similar approach, EX DEO should be a welcome heavy sound from the speakers. Check "The Head of the Snake".
Favorite track: The Head of the Snake.
Four years after the release of their highly anticipated album The Immortal Wars (2017), Juno Award-nominated EX DEO returns with more massive, brutal soundscapes than ever! The Roman Empire inspired death metal band’s newest release, The Thirteen Years Of Nero, transports the listener back to Ancient Rome with 10 cinematic masterpieces that tell the emotional, conceptual story of the reign of Emperor Nero. Accented by sounds of ancient instruments like lyra and harp and detailing the harrowing stories of Nero’s surroundings, close allies and enemies, listeners will connect with intense psychological tones of political turmoil and paranoia. As always, the Canadian unit is led by founding frontman Maurizio Iacono (Kataklysm) and producer/guitarist Jean-François Dagenais (Kataklysm, Misery Index, Despised Icon), but this time, features the stylings of Jeramie Kling (Venom Inc.) on drums and Clemens Wijers (Carach Angren, Lindemann) manning the album’s intense orchestral score.
The Thirteen Years Of Nero pierces through the silence with its first auditory spear, “The Fall Of Claudius”, immediately drawing the listener in with a savagely heavy, grooving riff, ground-shaking swells and warning strings and horns. Discordant harmonies collide as a mosh-worthy battle riff chugs and pinches through the center of the song, showcasing the ruthlessness to come. Second track “Imperator” connects with a colossal, threatening introduction with lyra-laced accents, before slithering into its verses with low guitars, trudging isolated drums and haunting, multi-layered vocal passages. Merciless “The Head Of The Snake” and unforgivingly immense “Britannia: The 9th At Camulodonum” balance sinister, spectral-like channels with up-tempo elements, racing like a chariot of symphonic death metal influences that careen the listener back to a sonic dimension of time forgotten. Standout opus “Boudicca (Queen Of The Iceni)” features the deft vocal stylings of Unleash The Archers frontwoman Brittney Slayes, the album’s weightiest thunderous percussion work and a glistening guitar solo, while the embers of pulsing “The Fiddle & The Fire” spark as the track traverses methodically yet steadfastly, like an iron striking a blade. “Son Of The Deified” and “What Artist Dies In Me...” bestow some of the album’s most strikingly dynamic guitar work, as well as ominous instrumentals, orchestral and choral pathways, before closing with the superb epic “The Revolt of Galba”. The track ebbs and flows between grooving, eerie piano-laden riffs and crystal-clear flourishes bestrewn with soaring strings. With The Thirteen Years Of Nero, EX DEO have released their finest work yet while telling a timeless story of political intrigue, suspicion, evil and tyranny!
supported by 50 fans who also own “The Thirteen Years Of Nero”
Brutal and intelligently written. This is an awesome black metal album based in historical themes.The whole album paints a war torn picture that leaves you yearning for more music as passionately made as this. Highly recommended for black metal fans. Abyssius Murkraken
supported by 45 fans who also own “The Thirteen Years Of Nero”
What an impressive piece of black metal. This one-man hurricane is pure art. Sgah‘gahsowáh creates an haunting atmosphere. He puts so much soul in his music. Sælzer Bub
supported by 44 fans who also own “The Thirteen Years Of Nero”
First WTF was google music actually throwing something good into my feed.
Second WTF was everything every goddamn member of this band does. This and the previous album have been on repeat for weeks. All other music tastes like diet water. Help. Gruso
Australian band Aquilus smashes genre boundaries to smithereens, combining classical orchestration with black metal on this riveting LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 13, 2021
supported by 43 fans who also own “The Thirteen Years Of Nero”
I swear to God. It's like stepping through the fn Narnia closet with each album. Yet somehow, again, I was not prepared for the absolute spirit quest this took me on.
10/10, will be spinning on my table for years to come. Magnus Blackwood