When I first caught wind of Imperium Dekadenz three years ago (thanks to Zad’s review of their fantastic album Meadows of Nostalgia), I literally lived, and breathed the music everywhere I went. Little could pull me out of the black metal coma I was trapped in, and hell, I don’t think I’ve still come out of it. Dis Manibvs, their latest album just released over the weekend, is finally here to my great anxiousness. If you loved the bands’ past two releases, their fifth studio album is just as pleasing, boasting with atmosphere, and a nonetheless intelligent sound.

The short two minute introduction starts things off with a cold wintry feel to the music. The dreary tone soon fades away to a grander atmosphere with Only Fragments of Light. Imperium Dekadenz are a black metal band that has a captivating and emotional sound. Like previous albums, the depressive yet aggressive tone has stayed intact. Following this impressive first track, Still I Rise continues with a majestic sound. The main riff is truly grandiose, screaming with beauty and passion. Easily one of the best songs on the album, the melody drives a cold icy nail deep under the skin that is hard to forget.

Later on in the album, the band captures a more valiant tone with their music in the track Vae Victus. The depressive attitude takes a back seat here a bit, fueling a war-like, battle charged mood. Following this heroic hymn, Volcano erupts with much wrath. A lot more variation is heard here, swinging back and forth from chaotic to more somber patterns. The choir arrangement here is definitely worth mentioning. Amidst the beautiful chaos, it is a strikingly memorable moment on the album.

There is no better time to discover Imperium Dekadenz than right now. They have grown to be one of, if not my absolute favorite, black metal bands over the past few years. Among the current black metal scene, they continue to stand tall and get even better with each passing album. If I were to sum my review of Dis Manibvs in one word it would be brilliant. There is nothing quite like the emotional depths the band can pull you through. Easily one of the best albums of 2016 in my book.