Review by Jack on August 25, 2003.

You'll be scarcely able to find a more reliable album in the world that sums up death metal in its present state, circa 2003 that can overshadow Imperious and their debut "In Splendour." Insane solos and furious shredding that typifies the technical wizardry of death metal, combined with livid drumming, yet again walking within the boundaries of death metal, and to top it off fiendishly harsh roaring from vocalist Johan which you could find on most good death records out there.

Unfortunately for Imperious there is not a lot to separate them from the countless of death metal legion groupies out there. Their talent is impeccable, the production faultless and they are full of ferocity. But then again, in this day and age what group isn't ferocious and compromised of folk who know their respective instruments like the back of their hands?

If you are a fan of death metal and names like Hate Eternal, Nile and Decapitated get your blood boiling and your juices flowing, then I believe you can feel free to add Imperious to your list. "In Splendour" will really appeal to the fans of the genre. However, for those of you who require something a little bit extra from your death metal "In Splendour" is strictly try before you buy.

Bottom Line: 11 tracks of death metal brutality. Lots of impressive moments to complement Imperious on, but just not quite enough to raise them to the next level. "In Splendour" is worth having a listen to, though.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 8
Originality: 5
Overall: 6

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Review by JD on July 18, 2010.

When you think of party type bands in metal, nobody thinks of Death Metal in that sort of way. You think of bands like Motley Crue, Poison and Airbourne strutting around and shaking their moneymakers for all of the little hotties in the crowd and making sure that they would be backstage after the show. Enter Attila... a band that wants to change that and still keep it nasty heavy.

Attila are trying to be almost like Obituary and the acclaimed originators of this genre Death rooming with Motley Crue then writing lyrics and then add in a wee bit of thrash for good measures. I admit, this is a bit of an odd mixture of styles that they are making... yet it works rather well. I was sceptical when I read the bio and saw that they were saying Death Party band, but Attila’s conviction to doing this shows that it really does blend well.

From the humorous track 'Girl’s Don’t Lie' to the thunderous riffing of 'The Invitation', I became amazed again and again while laughing at the comical angle of the words as well. They are great musicians, but they seem to be musicians that are trying to twist things up and make a little niche for themselves that is all their own. The lyrics are a little immature and unlike any Death Metal words... but that what just makes it fun.

Yes, the lyrics are rather stupid, but it just makes it entertaining without having to think. It is a testament to the fact that metal always changes and grows... but enjoyment is always the number one thing. It may not be the most intelligent or thought provoking of releases... but Attila’s album "Rage" is a very good indeed.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7.5
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 7
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 7

Rating: 7.4 out of 10