Symphonic metal collective Imperia has revealed new details about its forthcoming album, Dark Paradise, slated for release on 26 July via Massacre Records as CD digipak, vinyl and digitally. The band has also shared the first single, the album-opening track, and video, "Better Place".
Dark Paradise continues the musical style established in Imperia's previous release, The Last Horizon. The album's core revolves around mid-tempo rock songs, some leaning towards a heavier sound while others adopt a poppier approach. Additionally, two power ballads are included in the album, adding depth to the overall composition. The album is characterized by its emphasis on guitars and orchestral elements. Helena's vocals shine as she effortlessly transitions between operatic highs and brutal grunts, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist. Despite its concise length, Dark Paradise is a cohesive body of work, seamlessly blending symphonic and rock elements into a unified musical experience. While the album takes a step back from the more extravagant progressive elements of the band's past releases, it remains true to Imperia's signature symphonic and rocking style.
As the band celebrates its 20th anniversary with its seventh full-length, Dark Paradise is a testament to its evolution and enduring commitment to its unique sound. The collaboration between Imperia and Jacob Hansen for mixing guarantees a high-quality sound, given Hansen's reputation for excellence in his field. Meanwhile, the band's guitarist, Jan Yrlund, brings his artistic vision to the forefront, ensuring that the album's visual aspect matches the depth and complexity of the music. The album also features guest musician Oliver Philipps (ex-Everon) on piano, orchestrations, and additional guitars and vocals on the "Lost Souls" track.
With this collaborative effort, Dark Paradise is poised to deliver, both sonically and visually, promising a captivating experience for fans of Imperia's music! Link
Dark Paradise tracklist:
01. Better Place
02. Reach My Tears
03. The Family Chain
04. The Tree Of Life
05. Reflection
06. Soldiers Of Hell
07. Void Of Emptiness
08. Hope Of Joy
09. Lost Souls
10. The Demons' Fireplace
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"There were already bands doing small illustrations of symphonic metal, and I was thinking, why doesn't someone do this all the time?" - Christofer Johnsson
"Art isn't meant to always be pretty and make us feel comfortable and good about ourselves. I'm not afraid to broach difficult emotions and to express the beautiful ones too." - Martin Saint
"We try to support our army as much as possible since we also have friends on the frontline." - Helle Bohdanova
"It would be an exciting thing to be a part of the fourth The Sisters Of Mercy album. I think my role has changed in the last few years." - Ben Christo
