IMPERATOR - The Time Before Time (NAMELESS - LP 1991)
This
is by far one of the most classic and cult death metal albums from Poland. And
I don’t really mean the fact that “The Time Before Time” was so close to be
released by Deathlike Silence… Sure, it is also an important fact and something
Imperator can be proud of, but at the same time it’s secondary, more so because
it never happened. More significant is the fact that it is one of the first
Polish death metal records, also one of the most characteristic and original
works that have ever been created in this land. Being formed behind the so
called Iron Curtain and struggling with all difficulties, which bands /
metallers in Poland had to fight with in the 80’s, Imperator managed to create
something individual and unique. Obviously “The Time Before Time” has this kind
of specific early Polish death metal charisma, something what such bands as
Dragon, very early Vader, Betrayer or Merciless Death shared. But at the same
time it is way different to all these other bands.
“The
Time Before Time” is a difficult album. Firstly, because there is this rough
and obscure production, which I think is the weakest side of the whole album… I
suppose that these songs would have a bigger influence and effect if they
sounded more brutal and powerful. Not that the production is bad; it is fine,
but it’s just lacking something, maybe if the guitars had sharper, more
crushing sound…? All in all I can say that if someone says that the album
didn’t age well, then it is its sound to be blamed for it. Production aside,
but songs on “The Time Before Time” do not make the listening easier as well,
as they’re chaotic, with more complex structures than your average simple and
straight forward death metal band from the old days. The riffing is quite
specific, so it may take several listens, before you’ll discover the essence of
Imperator. And that also includes the characteristic vocals of Bariel and the
arrangements of the vocal parts.
Yeah,
definitely if you pick these sometimes weird riffs and all the stuff, which is
going on here then you may realise that it is not an album, which will hit you
in the face from the first listen and will let you get through it easily. It
will spill you some blood first! It is not catchy or memorable, but it is
chaotic, obscure as hell and furious. The whole music invokes a strong evil and
morbid feeling, reminiscent of the very early works of such Morbid Angel, Order
From Chaos and Necrovore, maybe even a little bit of the prehistoric era of
Possessed and Slayer, but at the same time it is different, just because
Imperator definitely had their own style. There are many technical, thrashing
parts on the album with crazy, sick guitar solos, but just like the debut LPs
of such Possessed and Slayer, it sounds way darker and more evil than the usual
thrash metal album. And more so, “The Time Before Time” is often incredibly
fast, has many tempo changes, variations or something else what makes it sound
quite special… but also sloppy in too many moments. It never gets close to
being memorable and catchy, it always is very obscure, harsh and chaotic, but
that I suppose will be an advantage for many maniacs.
But
“The Time Before Time” is not just the music. The lyrics – based on
Necronomicon, Sumerian myths, etc. - also give it a special feeling… of
something evil, indescribable, terrifying, mysterious… Taking all these
ingredients together, I must say that I do like “The Time Before Time” and have
a strong respect for Imperator for being there at the time and for recording
such a morbid piece of death metal in so early days. But at the same time I do
admit that “The Time Before Time” is not a perfect record and there are some
moments, when it is just too messy or simply not quite as good. Sure, such
songs as “Eternal Might” – with this brilliant opening theme, “Abhorrence” and
“Necronomicon” are great; but on the other hand such “External Extinction” is
kind of mediocre (at least some of its fragments). As I mentioned before, this
is not an easy album, it is not as memorable and effective as say “Abominations
of Desolation” or “The Ultimate Incantation”. You may feel thrown away by some
of these sick riffs and solos or Bariel’s yells. Despite that, it is a classic
LP and surely it must be in everyone’s collection!
Standout
tracks: “Eternal Might”, “Abhorrence”, “Necronomicon”
Final
rate: 75/100
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