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It has been a long time coming. Far too long, but then the saying good things come to those who wait could easily be applied to the debut album Exodus Unknown by London quintet Imperium. 

Imperium – Exodus Unknown

Release Date: 17 July 2026

Words: Paul Hutchings

It is unfair to say that they have been quiet. This is a band who have worked incredibly hard to maintain a presence. From their early days, the victory in the London Metal 2 The Masses competition in 2022 and subsequent triumphant New Blood Stage appearance, through to recent support slots with Venom Inc. these boys do not take the foot off the pedal. 

What is immediately pleasing about Exodus Unknown is that it contains no songs that have been previously released. Something so many do, is fill the new release with tracks that we are familiar with.

No, Imperium serve up a tasty eight-track 45-minute slab of Metal that spans the Thrash genre with the wider spectrum of Heavy Metal. Often lumped in with the modern-day Thrashers, there is a bit more to this band than just face-ripping speed. 

Like the sculptured handsome beasts that this gym-worshipping outfit are, there is little fat on Exodus Unknown. Lean yet powerful, muscular without the bloat, this is an album that demonstrates their commitment to the cause.

Honed on regular shows, gigging, and taking in guests who can help. In this case, it is the Demolition Man himself, Tony Dolan, who provides an extra element to new single Tread The Serpent. 

It is a high-energy start. Hell And High Water sets out the band’s stall, singer Ben Porter sounding superb. He is singing rather than the earlier forced delivery, and it proves impressive. Although his delivery is a little one-dimensional, the power and passion of his gravel-soaked roar soon smooth out that criticism, as does the slower closer, The End, which sees him change tack. 

If you like a dual guitar assault, then Imperium’s double axe attack should tick the boxes. Riffs are in high demand, whether it be slicing Thrash on debut single Exodus Unknown, the Anthrax chug on Reap What You Sow, or the muscular Unstoppable with its intricate fretwork, there is something for all. 

And whilst the band certainly sound at their most comfortable when they are in full flight, they also have the balls to add a huge centrepiece to the album. The 8:25 The Gun stands as their most ambitious composition yet.

Drawing deeply on their wide influences, there are bits of Maiden and Metallica lurking here without ever taking over. And you know what, it bloody works too! A thunderous Metal pace with ample melody ensures that this is a real earworm which is already on repeat. 

Whilst the album is impressive, there is not anything here that blew me away on first listen. It is a grower rather than an instant hit, and I, for one, welcome that. I do like to spend some time with a new release, and Exodus Unknown is a welcome companion.

The groove is evident throughout, with the title track sounding better on each listen. The true Thrasher here is Hangman, reminding us that come Bloodstock and Thrashchester, those circle pits should be rolling. When Imperium move, they move! 

Oz Craggs has done a solid production job throughout. The balance sounds great with ample space for each instrument to breathe. 

“We’re taking the next natural step, pushing harder while staying true to who we are. This record drives Imperium forward.”

For those who know the band, this statement rings true. For those yet to discover these boys, there are special treats ahead. Exodus Unknown is a fine debut, one that Ben, Scott, Hardip, Jean–Raphael and James should be rightly proud of. 

Imperium release Exodus Unknown on 17 July 2026 via Heavy Metal Records. Pre-orders are available from lnk.to/exodus-unknown.

Proving that they are still top dog when it comes to a proper cover version, Sacramento’s finest Tesla return to the grind with the predominantly covers collection Homage.

Tesla – Homage

Release Date: 17 July 2026

Words: Brian Boyle

As was overwhelmingly proven with the Reel To Reel Volumes one and two, Tesla know how to honour someone else’s music without taking the piss. 

But it is a solitary original that tickles the senses first. The delicate touch of ballad Never Alone does take a few spins, but you will soon realise that this is not a million miles away from the classic Tesla that brought us such heart-wrenchers as Love Song, What You Give and Paradise. 

As a self-confessed Queen addict, a cover of their underappreciated gem Spread Your Wings is most welcome. Originally penned by John Deacon, who, although he was not the most prolific writer in the band, always left his mark. And this version is an accurate tribute to that unsung anthem. 

Once again, the eclectic mix of genres makes for an intriguing track listing. Covers of Sam Cooke’s Bring It On Home and Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream are both given a delicate touch, with Jeff Keith’s distinctive rasp sounding right at home. 

Closer to their jurisdiction is a quite stunning take of Bob Seger’s Night Moves. This ain’t no ordinary cover version. It is a complete smash and grab that may as well have come with a written affidavit saying it has been a Tesla song for decades.

Elsewhere, Supertramp aficionados might recoil in terror at the thought of a blue-collar rock band rubbing their grubby hands all over one of their prized jewels. But in fairness, the bash it out vibe on Give A Little Bit stays on a straight path, but this album certainly will not be defined by it. 

A lesser-spotted Lynyrd Skynyrd tune, The Ballad Of Curtis Loew, would be closer to how it is judged. And it is executed with tonnes of respect and maximum southern feel.

When you hear the attention to detail mixed with their genuine love for these tracks, it is no coincidence that this band started life as a covers band. Something like CCR’s Have You Ever Seen The Rain has been done a million times, but not many make you temporarily forget the original. 

On paper, The Temptations I Wish It Would Rain does not look a good fit, but they sound completely immersed in its Motown roots.

However, the same plaudits cannot be given to James Brown’s I Got You (I Feel Good). It’s well meaning in it’s own way, but it feels way too uptight in contrast to the let it all hang out strut of Brown’s. 

You cannot help but admire Keith for taking on such iconic songs originally sung by some of the most revered singers in music history. I mean, you would not have blamed him if he had passed up on Etta James’s I’d Rather Go Blind. But he does it, and does it well, plus he never tries to be a smart-arse and steal some glory. It is just a simple and engaging tip of the hat. 

Although this is not the classic lineup that brought us their much-loved 1986 debut Mechanical Resonance, the core members of Keith, Frank Hannon and Brian Wheat remain. And the sublime take of Hank Williams Sr’s Mind Your Own Business featuring Wheat’s rather nifty ivory tickling has a feeling of a band totally at ease with themselves and content with their lot.

Having said that, Tesla should be far, far bigger outside of their homeland. Yes, some albums were far better than others, but they have always had big bastard tunes capable of sucking in a worldwide audience.

But be thankful they are still with us, and if they only do quality cover albums like this from here on in, then happy days.

Tesla release Homage on 17 July 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-orders are available from ffm.bio/tesla-homage.

Following the outstanding success of ‘Everywhere We Go‘, Massive Wagons return with their brand-new single, ‘Story Of My Demise‘, available now on all digital platforms. Accompanied by a brand-new official music video, the release marks the next chapter for one of the UK’s most exciting modern rock bands ahead of their forthcoming eighth studio album. […]

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