Imperium (song)

infobox single
Name = Imperium


Type = Song
Artist = Machine Head
Album = Through the Ashes of Empires
Released = December 16, 2003
track_no = 1
Recorded = June - July 2003
Genre = Thrash metal
Length = 6:54
Writer = Robert Flynn / Dave McClain, Machine Head
Label = Roadrunner Records
Producer = Robert Flynn

Imperium is a song by Thrash metal band Machine Head, from their fifth studio album album "Through the Ashes of Empires".

Details

It has gained popularity amongst fans and critics for its musical complexity, with Allmusic citing it as a return to form "...single-handedly eclipsing the previous two and a half albums, while simultaneously recapturing the dark majesty and crushing authority of early Machine Head triumphs..." [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:zl7m96bokepf Through the Ashes of Empires] from allmusic.com] Lyrically, it is centered around the structure of society (the word "Imperium" originating from the hierarchical philosophies of ancient Rome), and the narrator's attempts to disassociate himself with it. It could also be interpreted as voicing disregard for such music industries as MTV and other apparently commercially centered musical organizations. Another explanation has been that it refers to Robert Flynn's regret to trying to be nu-metal when it was popular.

The music video for "Imperium" was directed by Mike Sloat, who would also later direct the videos for "Days Turn Blue to Gray" and "Aesthetics of Hate", and features the band performing in various exotic locations including a fiery, red abyss, perhaps symbolizing hell. The video found substantial airplay on "Headbangers Ball" upon its release.

References