Ancient Roman-Themed Metal Band Ex Deo Return with “Imperator”

Ex Deo, everyone’s favorite Roman history-themed metal band, are back with a brand new song and video, “Imperator,” and an album announcement to boot.

Press copy explains that on The Thirteen Years Of Nero, Ex Deo tackle the reign of Emperor Nero, who ruled from 54 to 68 A.D. The band has utilized instruments like the lyra and harp to detail harrowing stories of Nero’s surroundings, close allies and enemies, political turmoil and paranoia. Sounds fun!

Founding frontman Maurizio Iacono (Kataklysm) and producer/guitarist Jean-François Dagenais (Kataklysm, Misery Index, Despised Icon) once again lead the charge, joined by Stephane Barbe (Kataklysm) on lead guitar, Jeramie Kling (The Absence, Inhuman Condition, Venom Inc.) on drums, Dano Apekian (Ashes of Eden) on bass and Clemens Wijers (Carach Angren, Lindemann) manning the intense orchestral score.

Iacono says about “Imperator:”

“We wanted to release a heavy hitting first single and there was no doubt that ‘Imperator’ in all of its grandiose aura and power was the choice. On the album, the song introduces Nero as the new Emperor of Rome. For the video, we used acclaimed video director Scott Hansen and together we recreated a dinner party in true Nero style like you never seen before, you have been warned!”

Watch the video for “Imperator” below. The Thirteen Years Of Nero comes out on August 27 via Napalm Records; pre-order here.

Ex Deo released a standalone track, “The Philosopher King,” in early 2020.