Imperial Triumphant - Vile Luxury (Redux 1924) (2024) Hi-Res

“Vile Luxury (Redux 1924)” by Imperial Triumphant is a masterful exploration of the dualities of New York City, embodying both its opulence and filth. This album, a reimagining of their original “Vile Luxury,” presents a vivid sonic landscape that mirrors the city’s bustling chaos and grandeur.

The band’s unique blend of black and death metal is as jarring as the city itself, with influences from jazz legends like John Coltrane and Miles Davis making their mark on the album. Tracks like “Swarming Opulence” and “Gotham Luxe” are standouts, offering a glimpse into the band’s signature sound that combines gritty guitar work with catchy melodies.

The album does many things incredibly well, but perhaps its biggest highlight is its overt jazz influence. Booming trumpet sections emerge in the album opener, creating a grandiose welcome. The nuanced guitars of “Gotham Luxe” add such emphasis and severity to the band’s music.

Guest features are another facet that makes “Vile Luxury (Redux 1924)” so sensational. In addition to the guttural growl on “Gotham Luxe,” there are three other musicians who received credit on the record1. Some of these inclusions—particularly the vocals on “Chernobyl Blues”—push “Vile Luxury (Redux 1924)” to another level.

In summary, “Vile Luxury (Redux 1924)” is a must-listen for fans of avant-garde metal and serves as an excellent introduction for those new to the band’s music. It’s a testament to Imperial Triumphant’s status as one of the quintessential acts of the avant-garde metal scene.