This EP is a grand and epic symphonic death metal concept album that tells the stories of the Roman emperors, and it does so with a truly commanding and larger-than-life feel. The composition and atmosphere give it an impressive sense of scale and weight, perfectly matching the monumental figures it’s trying to portray. While the music stays within the realm of death metal, it draws from the grandeur of classical music, making it both heavy and cinematic at the same time.

The guitar work is simple, yet dense and heavy. Songs like “Galba” and “Vespasian” really showcase how effective minimalism can be when paired with a crushing, weighty tone. It’s not about complexity here, but rather about creating a full, thick atmosphere that matches the grandiose themes of the album. This minimalism is probably one of the most impressive aspects of the EP.

The drums are straightforward in their execution, but they do have moments of dynamic playing that stand out. For example, in “Otho,” there’s an impressive and intense double-kick section that adds a layer of intensity and flair, giving the song some extra power and energy. While much of the drumming sticks to the basics, there are these moments of explosive, intricate fills that break up the heavier, more repetitive sections.

The bass on this EP sounds thick and heavy, with a particularly standout moment in “Otho.” The way the bass comes in strong at both the start and the end of the track really adds to the song's massive, atmospheric feel. It’s the kind of sound that anchors the entire mix, giving the music weight and depth.

The vocals are a mixed bag. The unclean vocals are solid, delivering that raw, gritty, and brutal death metal sound. However, during the clean sections, there are moments where the singer’s non-native English can be noticeable, which occasionally makes some lines sound a bit cheesy or awkward. But when he’s talking about the emperors, particularly in the clean vocal parts, there’s an undeniable epic feel that adds to the narrative of the songs.

Production-wise, the EP shines. The sound is crisp, clear, and powerful, managing to balance heaviness and clarity. The mix allows each instrument to be heard distinctly while still capturing that dense, thick overall sound. The guitars come through loud and clear, and the symphonic elements cut through without overwhelming the heavy metal base.

Though some of the songs feel a bit long, they manage to avoid overstaying their welcome. The transitions between sections are well-executed, and just when things start to feel repetitive, they introduce something new—be it a change in dynamics, a shift in tempo, or the addition of orchestral elements—to keep the energy fresh and engaging.

Here’s a breakdown of a few of the standout tracks:

Ex Deo
The opening track sets the tone perfectly, with a massive and epic intro that feels like it’s about to tell the history of Rome itself. The riffs are deep and powerful, while the drums stay simple but effective, creating a heavy groove. The bass has a solid, thick feel, and the production is on point, allowing the whole track to feel full and weighty. When the clean vocals come in to speak of the emperors, it gives the song an even grander feel, almost like a call to arms. The overall vibe here is a mix of groove-heavy metal and symphonic grandeur, which makes it a memorable and commanding opener. It’s got a touch of what makes bands like Dethklok so appealing—heavy, tight riffs, epic build-ups, and a touch of theatricality.

Otho
This track starts with a mesmerizing bass line and some hypnotic drums, pulling the listener into a trance. The guitars, while simple, have a thick, dense tone that contributes to the epic atmosphere. The slow, heavy pace of the song adds to the weight, and the double kicks in the latter half provide an impressive burst of energy. Though the song sometimes feels a little too simple, it stays engaging with the choir backing that fleshes out the sound at the end, giving it an extra layer of depth.

Vitellius
The track opens with an ominous, brooding atmosphere that quickly builds into some dense, slow guitar work. The song stands out for its industrial vibe, especially with the riff choices, which give it a darker, more mechanical feel. The addition of violins and other classical instruments helps to keep the sound fresh and add a symphonic touch that complements the heaviness of the metal. The clean vocals again can sound a little cheesy at times, but they still serve the larger-than-life vibe of the track, even if they’re not always perfectly executed.

Vespasian
This track leans more towards metalcore, with some driving, aggressive riffing and menacing vocals that sound tough and commanding. The song has a very urgent, attention-demanding feel to it, making it a standout in terms of sheer intensity. The riffs are heavy, and the background elements—synths or orchestral parts—add to the track’s epic nature. It’s a commanding piece of music that feels like it could take on any opponent, just like the emperor it’s named after.

Overall, this EP is an ambitious and impressive project, blending heavy death metal with symphonic elements to tell the stories of Rome’s emperors. It’s not without its flaws, but the moments of brilliance, the massive atmosphere, and the solid production make it a compelling listen for fans of both metal and grand, concept-driven music.