Ex Deo, the Juno-nominated project of Kataklysm frontman Maurizio Iacono, has just released their new EP, “Year Of The Four Emperors”, today (January 10, 2025), via the band’s new record label Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).
To celebrate, the band has also unveiled a stunning lyric video for the EP’s penultimate track “Vitellius”. The lyrics reveal a man driven by bloodlust, yet powerless to escape his fate. Vitellius’ violent end is portrayed with haunting finality, a reminder of Rome’s volatile power.
Order “Year Of The Four Emperors” HERE.
“The Year Of The Four Emperors” begins with the epic “Galba”, a rousing blast of symphonic metal that details his ruthless ascent and downfall. Next is “Otho”, a song that musically echoes the titans of melodic death metal such as Amon Amarth and Amorphis. Lyrically, the track explores how Roman emperor Otho schemed to take the throne from Galba, only to be eventually defeated by Vitellius. The following track takes on the tale of Vitellius and his eventual defeat at the hands of Vespasian. The closing track, “Vespasian”, conveys a sense of triumph and finality, as the lyrics exalt the emperor as the harbinger of a new era.
Ex Deo is no mere band — it is a titan in the world of symphonic death metal, a living embodiment of the might, majesty, and madness of Ancient Rome. Forged in 2008 by Iacono, Ex Deo channels the ferocity of metal through the monumental lens of Roman history and serves as an exploration of Iacono‘s heritage and links to Ancient Roman bloodlines.
Ex Deo crafts a sound as vast and indomitable as the empire itself. With dual roots in the cultural bastions of Montreal, Canada, and Orlando, Florida, Ex Deo stands as a juggernaut that bridges ancient glory and modern brutality.
Ex Deo is currently embarked on a tour of Europe in support of Dark Funeral and Fleshgod Apocalypse before heading to North America in the spring as the support act for SepticFlesh and Vltimas.
