Album Review: Imperium – Exodus Unknown (Heavy Metal Records)

UK thrash and groove band Imperium will release their much-anticipated debut album, ‘Exodus Unknown’ on July 17th, 2026, via Heavy Metal Records.

If you know the UK scene then you know the quality of Imperium is not to be questioned. They’ve spent years honing their sound and have grown into one of the most dependable and exciting live bands in the metal scene today. A band that knows how to get the listener banging their head… hard.

Exodus Unknown showcases that ability, and so much more. Combining thrash intensity with groove metal energy into a thrilling maelstrom of memorable heavy noise. It’s a triumphant release that puts an emphatic exclamation mark on what many already know, and that’s the fact that Imperium are fast becoming one of the giants of the UK metal scene.

Kicking off in high powered, riffy, and head-banging inducing fashion with the pairing of Hell and High Water and the title track, Imperium showcase just how anthemic their heavy sound can be. Meaty guitars, growling vocals, and pounding drums that brim with life, especially with the more elaborate latter track. A firm favourite that I think shows off the range this band has.

There’s a little bit of Pantera worship to be found in Reap What You Sow, but close your eyes, and you can also hear a nod or two to the likes of Metallica. Imperium have never been shy about their influences and across the album you’ll hear plenty of them.

The middle part of the album brings forth some of their biggest sounding tracks, and not just in length. Both Unstoppable and The Gun showcase depth and variety. With Imperium pulling out all the stops to keep the listener engaged, excited, and enthralled. Of the two, I find the latter is a bit more interesting, especially because of the screaming solo, but it’s close.

The latter part of the album is a bit more straightforward. With Hangman delivering a fast and furious thrash eruption and Tread the Serpent delivering a hellaciously heavy combo of riffs and vocals, thanks in part to a killer guest spot from Tony Dolan from Venom Inc. Before The End wrap things up in more melodious fashion. Imperium showing off a whole new side to themselves and leaving a strong impression as the record comes to a close.

What more is needed? Imperium have nailed it.

Imperium – Exodus Unknown Track Listing:

1. Hell and High Water
2. Exodus Unknown
3. Reap What You Sow
4. Unstoppable
5. The Gun
6. Hangman
7. Tread the Serpent
8. The End

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