From Bandcamp, "Prime" is the long awaited follow-up album to 2021's "Zenith" and Imperialist have only spent the years honing their craft while keeping the death-touched sci-fi black metal sound intact. The songs are tighter and more intricate than ever before, reinforced further with thrash metal elements, and they showcase the darkness and menace displayed on the previous EP but also the maturity in songwriting, allowing piercing leads and shards of melodies and to shimmer through and liven up the proceedings lest they get too bereft of earthly feelings."

The album has nine songs, and "Starstorm" is first. It comes straight for you, with a heavy hook, and even some Egyptian themed riffs. The vocals are scratchy, and the bottom end is full with weighted bass work. "Depravity Beheld" has more of a traditional Black Metal sound, with a veritable wall of riffs, and the bass and drums pound away underneath. The vocals are tinged with torture and the lyrics are easier to understand. Some of the riff work is indeed thrashy, but not overly adventurous. "I A.M" was the first single released ahead of the album, and in many ways, it represents the concise approach to their songwriting.

"Heavens Sunder" features clean guitar tones, as well as a lot of tension. The tension hangs in the air, begging to be broken, but never is. "Final Hours" is another straightforward offering, and even the vocals are somewhat predictable. Although the album is the result of honed songwriting so far, it doesn't breach out much. "Union of the Swarm" has those familiar Black Metal riffs that take a half step forward, and a half step backwards. The music is both intense and performed well. "Nocturnal Eon" has more of the same ingredients as some of the other songs on the album. "A Ghost Abandoned" is the final cut, and it's too similar to the other songs. The band isn't pushing themselves enough.  

The cover art is fantastic, and the band have indeed honed their craft into a concise sound on the album. But I was hoping for a little more adventure, and some surprises. With their talent, the band could go to unforeseen heights. Fans who like the traditional approach to Black Metal, however, will find a lot to their liking here.