IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT

Spirit Of Ecstasy (Century Media)

To say Spirit Of Ecstasy is an album bursting with creativity and boiling over with fresh ideas would be a major understatement. Hailing from New York City, Imperial Triumphant is a three-piece pushing the boundaries of what extreme music can be. Elements of death metal, black metal, orchestral music and jazz fusion are all jostling for space next to one another. The core of the band is guitar, bass and drums, but there is a maximalist approach that makes every song sound absolutely huge.

There are plenty of guest musicians contributing, which really distils down the creativity and spirit of collaboration of the New York jazz scene. There are contributions from several musicians in the experimental music scene, with a wild card appearing in the form of Kenny G, who is known for being a multi-million-selling smooth jazz legend. Treat yourself to the experience of multiple listens of this amazing album.

words GARETH MOULE