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Rising from the UK underground metal scene, Imperium are quickly establishing themselves as a leading modern thrash act. Known for razor-sharp riffs, groove-laden force, and commanding vocals, they’ve built a reputation for explosive live shows. Their engulfing debut album, Exodus Unknown, is released via Heavy Metal Records on Friday 17th July, with the title single out now. Get to know the band below:
What are the origins of the band, and how long have you been playing together?
The roots of the band go all the way back to School. Hardip and Scott were in the same class, and once they realised there was a shared taste in music, they started jamming together on guitar, which naturally led to the idea of forming a band.
James was introduced via a mutual friend who was in a pop-punk band with him. James was keen to play metal, so our friend connected us, which worked out really well straight away.
Ben was already a friend of ours, as he was a couple of years behind us at school, and would come and hang out with us in the practice room. So when we decided to bring in a vocalist, we asked him if he’d be interested. Although he hadn’t done vocals before, he quickly proved to be a strong fit.
Rapha joined a couple of years later. We didn’t know him before, but he settled in straight away and immediately became one of the boys.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe Imperium?
Riffs!! Expect riffs, loads of them!! If you boil it down, we are a modern London thrash metal band with old-school roots, massive grooves, and festival-sized intensity.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
We originally performed as a four-piece (without a bassist) in a sports hall gig organised by a friend. As nerve-racking as it was, the experience gave us an immediate buzz, and we knew right then that we had to take the band as far as we possibly could.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We’re fully into album release mode at the minute; our lead single for the album came out a few weeks ago – It’s the title track ‘EXODUS UNKNOWN’, so that sets the benchmark for where we are today, so check that out, with more singles ahead of the album release on the 17th July. But of course go back and check out our previous EP’s ‘When Kings Meet’ and ‘IMPERIUM’.
Regarding a similar audience, which band at the moment do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
We feel that we are best suited to open for Venom Inc……. And we are! It’s a band we’ve followed for a while now and, having befriended them, kept in contact with them and worked with them, it’s an absolute honour to open for them.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
After touring with them, we would love to see Shrapnel get some big recognition. But most of all Venom INC! They should be top of the top.
What frustrates you about the music business?
Probably all of it, to be honest…you make a step forward, and the goal posts move. We’ve become mega aware that it’s not the 90s anymore. It’s a saturated mess, and it’s all money money money, whilst making absolutely nothing back for your art. It’s pretty abysmal. I’d punch its lights out if it was a human. So it’s genuinely proof in the pudding that this is what we love doing!
What are your first musical memories? And what lightbulb moment made you say “I want to do that”?
I think we all had that defining moment at a young age—watching bands like Metallica, Megadeth, and Pantera and seeing the impact they had on people’s lives, including our own. Even though we may never reach that level, it made us realise that this is exactly what we want to do.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Desert Fest in London and the Black Label Society with Venom Inc.
What current social issues are you particularly passionate about?
I’m passionate about staying out of them, to be honest. The world is 50% shit and 50% lovely in mostly everything. I try to keep the music close to situations that bother me at the time of writing. But my main goal is happiness! Anything that drags me away from that is an issue.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Raze it up, Onyx – can’t beat a bit of Hardcore HipHop
Everybody is a fan of something, who or what are you a fan of?
We are all gym heads; we love cigars and a good laugh! And definitely a fan of a good cup of tea, biscuits as a treat before bed at 10 haha!
What new music have you enjoyed so far this year?
Black Label Society, Red Desert’s new album, Frozen Soul’s new album, some properly good music landing! I’m sure there’s a ton more.
What does the rest of 2026 hold for Imperium?
We have a busy few months, as well as album and single promotion; we have a couple of shows supporting Venom Inc in Bristol and Sheffield, which we are really excited about, as Tony Dolan guest-vocalled on one of the tracks on the new album. We also have our Album Launch party at The Black Heart in Camden. We then return to Bloodstock, where we play the SOPHIE stage on the Saturday, and then a little later in the year we have a headline Festival Appearance at Shredfest in Norwich, and we play Thrashchester on the Friday night, and hopefully some more stuff to announce.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
We realise in the current musical landscape how important social media is, and the constant battle to get people to see what you’re posting, even if they follow you! So we are pretty active on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, as well as our PATREON page where we share things a little bit earlier with our mega fans; we try and mix things up a bit with gig announcements, short pieces to camera and teasers… the easiest way to connect is via our Linktree, then you can choose your platform of choice – https://linktr.ee/IMPERIUM_UK
