IMPENDING TRIUMPH is a Power Metal duo from Brussels, Belgium. Molded in the vein of Epic Power Metal legends like HELLOWEEN and MANOWAR, they released their debut self-titled EP on Jawbreaker Records May 5, 2023. Look for it digitally on most streaming platforms or physically at Jawbreaker Records or on their BandCamp page. The album opens quietly. Gentle guitars and somewhat sinister sounding notes create a feeling of apprehension in "Dawn Of Death." The song winds down to nothingness before "Armies Of The Conqueror" kicks in with an Epic Power Metal fury. There is a bombastic quality to this track. It has the tone of a HELLOWEEN song but the attitude of BLIND GUARDIAN. The song is a massive wall of sound meant to make you feel like you're on an epic journey and this is your soundtrack.

That attitude continues through "The Invisible Fortress," six minutes of chugging riffs and rhythms that will make you want to stomp your feet and raise your fists. The vocals go gritty in some sections, taking the theme to a darker spot, pushing for a more battle-hardened theme. There is nothing like a heavy, trudging rhythm to give that Epic Metal vibe made famous by this style of music. Continuing the quest, "Dragon Hunt" leans a bit into the NWOBHM sound. This track could have been done by MANOWAR or IRON MAIDEN and fit into their discography perfectly. There's just something about the way the guitars are structured on this song that allow it to cross over from NWOBHM to Power Metal and back. The leads are built like many of the dueling leads of the early 80s and I love them for that.

At eight minutes, "Temple Of Oblivion" is the longest song and it has the greatest variety of tones and tempos on the record. It has the most time to spend weaving its' tale of conquest and power. The lead guitar work is and the backing vocalizations craft a bigger, heavier sound than in the other songs. This is definite example of saving the best for last. There is just more to like about this track. IMPENDING TRIUMPH is one of those bands that has big ideas and is working towards finding the best way to express those ideas. I think they did a great job of finding their style and now just need to refine and tweak their sound until they get to that "prefect pitch" that usually takes bands a little time to figure out. This is a great first effort and something I look forward to hearing more of in the future.