CoC : Imperial Domain - In the Ashes of the Fallen : Review

Imperial Domain - _In the Ashes of the Fallen_
(Pulverised Records, 1999)
by: Adrian Bromley (6.5 out of 10)

There is just something about the music of Imperial Domain that I am getting a bad vibe from. I can't place my finger on it, I just know it's there. Overall, the death metal sounds of the band are collectively paired with some serious guitar work and a deafening rhythm section (think close to In Flames, though not as complex). While the vocals go from death growls to sinister snarls of anxiety, Imperial Domain keep their head above water, managing to stray from a generic sound. The key to this band's secret is their ability to sound pissed off and fighting each song like there is no tomorrow. That's when it works. When the band tries to stay too much along the line of solid song writing, that's when it falters. This sextet has a lot of potential, they just need to work out kinks. The need to loosen up a bit and go rabid with the material. The guitar work needs no touch-ups, just clean up the rest, guys.

(article published 19/5/1999)