Side project of Kataklysm frontman Maurizio Iacono, a concept album surrounding ancient Rome. Not too surprising really, given his heritage, but when he enlisted all the Kat-regulars as musicians, that raised an eyebrow or two (why not do a Kataklysm concert disc?).

From the opening ‘Romulus’, its evident this will be something different from the Canucks, despite a blackened scream/spoken delivery from Iacono, this is a toned down (classy?), very orchestral orientation, complete with symphonic brass, sound effects and guest spots. Nergal (Behemoth) rips into ‘Storming The Gates Of Alesia’, which ends with marching legions, while guitarists Karl Sanders (Nile) and Obsedian C (Keep Of Kalessin) shred during ‘The Final War’ and ‘Cruor Nostri Abbas’ respectively. ‘In Her Dark Embrace’ possesses a slower grind, with just the occasional flare up in activity, and concluding brass fanfare. Relive the glory days of Rome.