Imperial Age: Russia's Pioneers of Symphonic Metal

Imperial Age is a Russian symphonic metal band known for its epic soundscapes, soaring vocal harmonies, and thematic focus on history and fantasy. Formed in Moscow, the group has carved a distinct niche in the global metal scene through relentless international touring and a series of ambitious, self-released albums.

Early career

The band was founded in 2012 by composer and vocalist Alexander "Aor" Osipov, who envisioned a project blending heavy metal with classical and choral music. Imperial Age's core lineup solidified with vocalists Jane "Corn" Odintsova and Anna "Kiara" Moiseeva, creating a powerful triple-vocal front. They independently released their debut EP, Warrior Race, in 2014, immediately establishing their grandiose, cinematic style.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived with their second full-length album, The Legacy of Atlantis, released in 2018. This album marked a significant leap in production quality and compositional ambition, capturing the attention of the European symphonic metal audience. Its success was cemented by extensive touring, including support slots for major acts like Therion and a headline performance at the UK's Bloodstock Open Air festival in 2019.

Key tracks

The Legacy of Atlantis — The title track from their breakthrough album showcases the band's signature blend of orchestral grandeur and powerful metallic riffs.

Turn the Sun Off! — A fan-favorite anthem known for its massive choir and catchy, driving rhythm that highlights their vocal harmonies.

Life Eternal — This epic ballad demonstrates the band's dynamic range and skill in weaving classical influences into a metal framework.

Anthem of Valour — A rousing, battle-ready song that exemplifies their thematic focus on heroism and historical grandeur.

The band continued their prolific output with the 2020 album The Ancient World and a live album, Live in Wacken 2019: The Brotherhood of the Bright Star. In a bold move for an independent act, they successfully crowdfunded and executed a massive 2023 European tour titled "The Last Tour on Earth," performing in over 50 cities and solidifying their reputation as a formidable live act. Their latest studio work, the 2024 album New World, continues their tradition of conceptual, epic songwriting.

Fans of Imperial Age often enjoy the music of similar Russian symphonic and power metal acts. Catharsis shares a penchant for complex compositions and philosophical themes. Arkona offers a more folk-infused but equally epic and nationalistic Slavic metal approach. Black Obelisk represents an earlier generation of influential Russian heavy metal with a strong melodic sense.

Imperial Age's powerful symphonic metal anthems are a staple on dedicated metal and hard rock radio stations worldwide. Their music fits perfectly on online radio streams specializing in European power metal, epic orchestral rock, and the broader spectrum of alternative heavy music, finding an eager audience among listeners who crave drama and scale in their rock.

You can hear the epic sound of Imperial Age on various rock and metal radio stations featured on our website. Explore onairium.com to discover radio stations that regularly play Imperial Age and other pioneering symphonic metal artists.