EX DEO - Caligvla
August 29, 2012, 11 years ago
Napalm Records
EX-DEO’s epic Roman metal is strategically-executed on its sophomore concept album, Caligvla. Under the tutelage of vocalist and commander Maurizio Iacono (also of KATAKLYSM), the album is thematically and conceptually steeped in Ancient Roman history. Caligvla is based on the viciousness of Roman Emperor Gaius Caesar Germanicus, better known as Caligula. For those unfamiliar with this dangerous madman, Ex Deo is here to give you a little history lesson, set to bombastic, cinematic music. The 10 battle-ready hymns are decorated in majestically-crafted keyboard-sampled symphonic arrangements mixed with galloping riffs and thunderous double kick drums. Iacono’s gruff vocals drive the aggression while female vocals add a different dynamic and dimension to the music in the appropriate places. Some songs might seem a little over-dramatic and drawn out, but the atmosphere of the music is top notch. Ex Deo is an entirely different entity compared to Kataklysm, but just as aggressive. Caligvla is a forward-thinking concept, musically executed with a brave sound.
