Imperium Talk Debut Album, Songwriting And More

Imperium’s engulfing debut album, Exodus Unknown, releases via Heavy Metal Records on Friday 17th July 2026, with the title single out now.  

Who is in Imperium, how did you meet and what do you play?

 

Imperium is Hardip (Lead Guitar) Ben (Vocals), Scott (Rhythm guitar), James (Drums) and Rapha (Bass). 

Hardip and Scott were in the same class in school. Once we realised we shared similar tastes in music, we started jamming together on guitar, which naturally led to the idea of forming a band.

We were later introduced to James through 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 and would come join us in the studio. 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 is your earliest musical memory?

It has to be the 90s nostalgic music channel vibe, just watching Scuzz or Kerrang when it was still huge… all the new stuff coming out, bands had massive identities back then in magazines and all that. It was the good old days! 

 

When did you begin songwriting?

We’ve been writing songs since the band first started, but we really began taking it more seriously while creating our first EP in 2022, when everyone’s personalities started to come through.

You have your debut album ‘Exodus Unknown’ is released on Friday 17th July 2026. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

The approach was to dig deeper. We’ve been on a musical journey, both individually and as a band, to improve and push ourselves, and we wanted to step outside our comfort zone and experiment with areas we hadn’t really explored before.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

Our musical magician, Oz Craggs at Hidden Track Studios in Folkestone. We’ve worked with Oz for a few years now, and he really knows how to push and get the best out of us. He went above and beyond on this album, putting in long days and countless hours, and we’re incredibly grateful for that.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

We obviously have tons of fun doing these shows, but one night after we finished recording we all just sat and watched Big Lez! For HOURS! 

And of course, we can’t not mention having Tony Dolan from Venom Inc come down, on his anniversary, to record his part in Tread The Serpent! The guy is a living legend, he could of done his bit and left but he loved it and stayed to fishing the songs vocals and hear it back, he was truly another member of IMPERIUM that day 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

No! We just let Oz deal with that! We turn up with what we have and we lean into him for advice on a lot of the final result and sound! We know what we’re after, he always comes through with it 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Our title track Exodus Unknown is probably the one that makes us happiest. We all get a big buzz from playing it likely because it never lets up and feels very intense throughout. The End is the track we really connect with as its overall vibe feels especially reflective of who we are as a band in terms of how deep we can get. As for the angriest, I don’t think any of our songs really tap into that for us, we’re not an ‘angry’ band!

Was it a difficult album to write?

Very! We deliberately put a lot of pressure on ourselves to bring out the best in each other. A lot of hours put into this. There was plenty of trial and error along the way, both with the songs that made the album and those that didn’t. It’s never easy turning five different opinions into one, but we got there in the end.

Who designed the album artwork?

Daniel Porta of Pitforge. He did our EP art for When Kings Meet as well – fantastic to work with and truly an incredible artist. We gave him so much shit to deal with, and he brought that whole album art to life

 

One of the tracks is the title track single. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

 

Exodus Unknown represents who we are as a band. It’s about pushing forward searching for that next “Imperium” and striving to reach a new level. It also reflects the journey we’ve been on and the drive to keep evolving.

Do you have any visualisers?

We released a music video for Exodus Unknown and a Lyric Video will released for Tread The Serpent which is our second single, with the single art and video created by Andy Pilkington at Very Metal Art.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Feltham in West London… Freddy Mercury down our road 

How do you look after your voices?

 

Ben, in all honesty is still learning, he’s very honest about his level of ability and this new album definitely tests his ranges. Simple warm ups and warm downs have helped him drive his ability, but practicing twice a week has allowed him to grow as a vocalist rapidly

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?

Album release show 24th July at Our Black Heart Camden, London

Bloodstock Festival Saturday Sophie stage 9th August 

Slaydays   – Shredfest – where we headline on the 3rd October

Thrashchester, Manchester on the Friday 13th November

 

Euro album tour is in the works…

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

 

We all like a cup of tea and some biscuits 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

No, not really, the lads like what they play, but it’s an instrument. We’ve got no idea what it does. Absolutely no interest in the tech or whatever these things do other than that haha! We’re quite archaic… all our stuff is in E! 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

The entire Horus heresy series by Warhammer. 

We’re not all into Warhammer, I’ll make that point. The songs are not based on it at all and the name IMPERIUM was chosen for its true meaning in Latin, ‘absolute power’ 

 

But!!! And I quote

 

“Forget the promise of progress and understanding, for in the grim darkness of the far future there is only war. There is no peace amongst the stars, only an eternity of carnage and slaughter…”

 

We absolutely have to make music for that. End of…

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

The list is too extensive, we all listen to everything man! But check out The Sword if you haven’t already… 

 

What makes Imperium happy and what makes you unhappy?  

 

Progression, making music, playing music, gym, cigars, our company, fans, friends and a good Wetherspoons bring us smiles… 

 

Unhappy, I’d probably say that 1-3 minutes of time waiting for James (our Drummer)  to understand what’s been said and reply 😂

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By San PR

Imperium’s debut album ‘Exodus Unknown’ is released on Friday 17th July 2026.

Pre-order here: https://lnk.to/exodus-unknown

Official Website: https://www.imperiummetal.com/