GOLDSTAR

The architects of elegant and brutal chaos return with 'Goldstar', a work directly inspired by the vast monstrosity of their hometown New York. In just under 39 minutes, the trio builds a wall of sound that feels like Manhattan beneath skyscrapers warped by madness.

The album proves that avant-garde can be accessible without losing its edge, deploying their signature extreme metal with jazz elements and dissonant sections efficiently and concisely. The production is raw, one thanks the controlled maelstrom that so characterizes their style. The atmospheres are built with precision, and harsh textures and arrangements are integrated to enrich the final result. Furthermore, contributions from figures such as Dave Lombardo and Tomas Haake add interest to the album.

Despite its dense layers and evident complexity of execution, 'Goldstar' feels direct. Part of this is due to its length, which is long enough for the band to develop their approach without overwhelming the listener, something many of their contemporaries fail to grasp. Shorter pieces, such as "NEWYORKCITY" and "Goldstar" (for some reason, the latter giving me a mental image of the video game 'Fallout',) serve as effective transitions, ensuring a steady flow. In "Gomorrah Nouveaux", the phrase "High class, low life" encapsulates the band's critique of the decadence they find in their surroundings; they translate the combination of superficial luxury with deteriorating morality into music that is precise but, at times, could take more risks.

In the end, this album stands as a new sonic cathedral, built upon the crumbling foundations of the city that so inspires them. IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT remains consistent in its form, but too comfortable within its own limits. The execution and the idea are impeccable, but the lack of creative boldness leaves the feeling that they fell short of their own potential. It's a good album, although one that leaves the impression that they could have gone further if they had dared to challenge their own rules.

Music: 3 stars

Lyrics: 3 stars

Execution: 4 stars

Emotion: 2 stars

Production: 3 stars

Artwork: 3 stars

Average: 3

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