To Discover: Imperatore

IMPERATORE’s Festive Fury: Dropping Riffs, Not Reindeer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4ZpX5P5Bb0

Perth’s Prodigal Rockers Serve Up a Christmas Feast of Fire

While most folks were unwrapping gifts or snoozing post-turkey, Perth’s riff-wielding mavericks IMPERATORE decided December 25, 2024, needed more chaos. Enter “Nations, Rise!”—their sophomore album that’s less “Silent Night,” more ”volcanic might.” Talk about a stocking stuffer!

Born from founder Zoran Cunjack’s brain in 2022, this trio (plus guest axe-slinger Leon Todd) has been tearing up the rulebook since their self-titled 2023 debut. Remember that WAM “Song of the Year” nod? Yeah, they’re not here to play nice. “Nations, Rise!” slams together operatic drama, prog-rock noodling, and riffs heavier than your aunt’s fruitcake—all wrapped in historical allegories. Eight tracks, 40 minutes, zero chill. From the chest-thumping title anthem to the brooding “World Gone By,” it’s a sonic tapestry where Iron Maiden meets Les Mis… in a mosh pit.

“We wanted to make music that hurts… in a good way,” laughs Cunjack. Mission bloody accomplished. Drummer Sean Allsopp and bassist Daniel Marijanovic lay down grooves tighter than Santa’s belt, while Todd’s solos scream like a koala on adrenaline.

Look, if your Christmas playlist still has Mariah Carey on repeat, do yourself a favor—swap sleigh bells for face-melters. “Nations, Rise!” isn’t just an album; it’s a rebellion against boring holidays. Who needs mistletoe when you’ve got riffs that could level a snowman? Crank it loud, thank me later.

Stream the chaos:

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