Romulus (album)

Romulus is the debut full-length album by Canadian death metal band Ex Deo. The album was released on June 19, 2009 through Nuclear Blast Records. The album was recorded with producer and Kataklysm guitarist Jean-Francois Dagenais.

Romulus
Studio album by
Ex Deo
ReleasedJune 19, 2009 (Europe)
June 30, 2009 (North America)
GenreSymphonic death metal
Length61:40
LabelNuclear Blast
ProducerJean-Francois Dagenais
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[1]

The album title refers to Romulus, the traditional founder and, according to the legend, the first king of Rome.

Recording and production

On December 5, 2008, the band announced they signed to Nuclear Blast Records for a record deal.[2] This was the beginning of the creation of the forthcoming album. Shortly after, on December 31, 2008 the band announced they would air the first track of the upcoming album on January 11, 2009.[3] The first track they aired was a demo version of Cry Havoc, followed by enthusiastic feedback from their fans on their MySpace page.

I chose to debut the new track on January 11th because it is the day my father was born (he passed away a few years ago). My father was a disciple of Roman history and taught me many things throughout the years. I remember a time he said "Son, everything you see around you, our ancestors built the foundation for it. From the way the wars were fought to the democracy you live in…" and I have been fascinated by it ever since. For his soul looking over me and for the future of this project, I launch a new seed for Roma on the 11th of 2009. I promise something that is much needed in the scene today. It's going to kick ass!

— Maurizio Iacono[2]

Since February 20 the band started a weekly studio blog to keep their fans in the loop while they were working on the album. The blogs also included a special section called Do you know Rome?, which contained a weekly historical fact about the Roman Empire.[4] In total there were about 5 fact posted on their MySpace page. By the time they posted their second studio update the band already recorded most of the music and even completed the song Storm the Gates of Alesia. During the time they posted their third studio update Iacono announced he completed the vocals for the album.

In March the band announced both the album's release dates[5] and track list.[6] They also announced the album was completely recorded.

On April 22 the band announced that Nergal, Karl Sanders and Obsidian C. would make guest appearances on the album.[7]

It's an honor for me that such talented musicians and friends lended their art for a couple songs on this album. I only asked a few selected people that had involvement with history through their music and related to this band's concept , so I salute them for contributing to Rome's rise and they shall be amply rewarded for it.

— Maurizio Iacono[7]

The band also posted another track called Legio XIII on their Myspace page. A song in honor of Rome's most devastating and lethal legion ever assembled; the 13th Legion which helped bring Caesar to power."[8] And on June 15, 2009 the band announced they were streaming the entire album on their MySpace page, just before it was released on June 19, 2009.

Track listing
  • All songs written by Maurizio Iacono.
No.TitleLength
1."Romulus"5:17
2."Storm the Gates of Alesia" (featuring Adam "Nergal" Darski of Behemoth)6:31
3."Cry Havoc"7:01
4."In Her Dark Embrace"4:48
5."Invictus"6:47
6."The Final War (Battle of Actium)" (featuring Karl Sanders of Nile)5:01
7."Legio XIII"5:53
8."Blood, Courage and The Gods That Walk The Earth"6:02
9."Cruor Nostri Abbas" (featuring Arnt "Obsidian C." Ove Grønbech of Keep of Kalessin)5:29
10."Surrender the Sun"4:55
11."The Pantheon (Jupiter's Reign)"3:56
Total length:61:40

Notes
  1. ^ A video for the title-track Romulus was shot. It was recorded in Belgrade, Serbia by director Stanimir "Staca" Lukic

Personnel
Ex Deo
  • Maurizio Iacono - vocals
  • Stéphane Barbe - guitar
  • Jean-François Dagenais - guitar, producer
  • François Mongrain - bass guitar
  • Jonathan Leduc - keyboards
  • Max Duhamel - drums
Guest musicians
  • Adam Darski – vocals on Storm the Gates of Alesia
  • Karl Sanders – guitars on The Final War (Battle of Actium)
  • Arnt Ove Grønbech – guitars on Cruor Nostri Abbas

Music video

On January 30, 2010 the band announced they were going to shoot a video for the track Romulus in early March. The video was shot and directed by renowned director Stanimir "Staca" Lukic in Belgrade, Serbia.[9]

I wanted the ideal person to bring this concept to life and we felt Staca's plan to do it was the right one. What better place to capture it then [sic] Europe itself?! Staca's work is nothing short of phenomenal and I can't wait to unleash the past fury of Rome on the world!

— Maurizio Iacono[9]

In March Iacono announced the video for Romulus was shot and that he was very happy with the outcome.[6]

The setup was extremely pro. Stanimir and Ivan did such an amazing job and paid attention to every single detail. To recreate Rome and the story of Romulus and Remus was a big challenge, but I think we nailed it and the ideas behind it are incredible. Expect an epic feel, like the movie '300' for the texture... A big thank you to all the film crew and the actors!

— Maurizio Iacono[6]

Though the video for Romulus was already completed in March, it didn't air until May 12. But the band received tremendous feedback from their fans on their MySpace page shortly after.[8]

Another music video was shot for the track "The Final War (Battle of Actium)".

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References
  1. Allmusic review
  2. "KATAKLYSM Frontman's EX DEO Signs With NUCLEAR BLAST". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 5 Dec 2008. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 9 Aug 2009.
  3. "KATAKLYSM Frontman's EX DEO To Premiere Demo Track Next Month". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 31 Dec 2008. Archived from the original on 2009-01-02. Retrieved 9 Aug 2009.
  4. "KATAKLYSM Frontman's EX DEO Hard At Work On Debut Album". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 20 Feb 2009. Archived from the original on 12 September 2012. Retrieved 9 Aug 2009.
  5. "KATAKLYSM Frontman's EX DEO: New 'Romulus' Release Dates Announced". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 4 Mar 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-04-19. Retrieved 9 Aug 2009.
  6. "KATAKLYSM Frontman's EX DEO: Debut Album Track Listing Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 17 Mar 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-03-24. Retrieved 9 Aug 2009.
  7. "BEHEMOTH, NILE, KEEP OF KALESSIN Members To Guest On EX DEO Debut". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 22 Apr 2009. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 9 Aug 2009.
  8. "EX DEO: New Song Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 20 May 2009. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 9 Aug 2009.
  9. "KATAKLYSM Frontman's EX DEO To Film 'Romulus' Video". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 29 Jan 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-01-31. Retrieved 9 Aug 2009.
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