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I found this band's 2018 debut, Cipher, to be pretty tepid and forgettable, but this one is much better. Despite that they relentlessly bill themselves as Black Metal, this remains melodic Death/Black with Death Metal-styled drumming and a very slick, modern production. This time out, Imperialist have traded their bland songwriting for chops that have actual interest and wield some good riffs. The playing is better, the songs are better, even the vocals are improved. This band is still all about the dark SF imagery, and this time they actually manage to conjure an atmosphere of menace and alien dread. I am always glad to see a band level up, and Imperialist have definitely done that.