Ex Deo – Year Of The Four Emperors

History has always intrigued me, especially the tales of Ancient Rome and Greece, but let’s face it, my high school teachers made learning a chore. Combine that with what’s probably undiagnosed ADHD or some kind of learning issue, and history lessons never really stood a chance. My mom used to say, “If you could remember your schoolwork like you remember song lyrics, you’d be a genius.” She wasn’t wrong. If lessons were taught like Ex Deo’s latest EP, Year Of The Four Emperors, I’d have been a straight-A student.

This EP is heavy in all the right ways and exactly what you’d expect from a band made up of such legendary members. According to the PR bio, Ex Deo is not just a band. It is a symphonic death metal titan that channels the grandeur, brutality, and madness of Ancient Rome. Founded by Maurizio Iacono of Kataklysm, the band features Jean-François Dagenais and Stéphane Barbe on guitars, Dano Apekian on bass, James Payne on drums, and orchestral contributions by Clemens Wijers. Together, they create something that transcends music. It is an immersive historical and auditory experience.

From the opening moments, this EP pulls you into the chaos of Rome’s most turbulent year. The orchestral elements combined with theatrical spoken-word sections make it feel like a heavy metal opera set in Roman times. However, it replaces codpieces and tights with blood-soaked riffs and guttural vocals.

The first track, Galba, opens with a mix of crushing riffs, blistering drums, and orchestral movements that create a cinematic experience. Spoken-word sections weave the tale of Galba’s rise and fall, immersing you in the story. By the time the track ends, you are left shaking your head in awe at how seamlessly everything fits together. Metallica may have played with an orchestra on S&M, but Ex Deo takes it to another level. This is symphonic metal at its finest.

The EP flows like a history lesson brought to life. Each track embodies the rise and fall of one of the four emperors from that infamous year. Thematically, it is fitting that this is a four-track EP, with one song for each ruler. The balance of crushing death metal and sweeping orchestral arrangements feels natural and never cheesy or overdone. Every element belongs, and each section transitions with precision, adding to the narrative without overstaying its welcome.

The standout track for me is the final one, Vespasian. It opens with war horns that conjure images of Roman legions rallying for battle. This song encapsulates the fury of war and the triumph of survival. It is a powerful ending to a year of chaos and betrayal. The track builds with relentless energy, closing the EP with a sense of victorious glory. Vespasian’s reign may have brought peace, but the rage and desperation leading up to it are captured perfectly in this epic closer.

I have listened to Year Of The Four Emperors multiple times now, and with each playthrough, I discover new nuances. The bassline subtly drives a section, a vocal growl chills your spine, or a drum fill feels like a crack of thunder. Every detail is deliberate and masterfully executed.

My only complaint is that it is just an EP. Four tracks are simply not enough. Ex Deo has crafted something extraordinary here, and it leaves me craving more. If I were including EPs in my Albums of the Year list, this one would comfortably take the top spot.

Whether you are a fan of symphonic death metal, historical themes, or just incredible musicianship, Year Of The Four Emperors is a must-listen. It is more than an EP. It is a priceless masterpiece of musical craftsmanship.