Imminence – Axis Mundi (Album Review)
Updated: Oct 4
Release Date: October 2, 2026
Record Label: Sumerian Records
The Riff Doctor's Score: (9/10)
RRRRRRRRRR
DIAGNOSIS
Few bands in modern metal can make something this heavy sound this elegant. Axis Mundi takes everything that made The Black special and pushes it further — darker, heavier and more cinematic. Imminence aren't just refining their sound anymore. They're mastering it.
Best Tracks: “Crestfallen”, “Devil May Try”, “Power Divine”
Deep Cuts: “If Not Now, When”, “False Light”
The Full Review
Few bands have managed to redefine the boundaries of Scandinavian metalcore with the elegance and cinematic scale that characterise Imminence. Formed in Trelleborg, Sweden, and led by Eddie Berg on vocals and violin alongside guitarists Harald Barrett and Alex Arnoldsson, and bassist Christian Höijer, the band return with their sixth studio album, Axis Mundi. It also marks their debut on the global Sumerian Records roster.
Co-produced by the band alongside renowned engineer Henrik Udd (Architects, Bring Me The Horizon) and producer Drew Fulk (Knocked Loose, Twenty One Pilots), the album is built around the mythological concept of the Axis Mundi — the connection between life, death, suffering and redemption. The concept is further expanded through a dark medieval fantasy short film directed by Pavel Trebukhin, giving the record an audiovisual world of its own.
The album opens with “Twisting In The Wind”, a very effective introduction that immediately draws us into its atmosphere and narrative. As the track progresses, it gradually takes on a more desperate and emotionally charged character, acting as an ideal prelude to what follows.
Next comes the previously released “The Sword That Never Bends”, delivering direct and visceral metalcore, where destructive riffs collide with violin arrangements and Berg’s impressive vocal versatility. “Devil May Try” follows, alternating melodic choruses with riffs that maintain the aggressive momentum established by the opening tracks.
“Crestfallen”, another previously released single, shows a more introspective and hypnotic side of the band. Built around Berg’s clean vocals, layered guitars and beautifully integrated arrangements, the song floats with an almost delicate quality while creating an atmosphere entirely its own.
Then comes “False Light”, one of the album’s fiercest and most relentless moments. Imminence unleash a barrage of pounding rhythms and raw aggression, briefly interrupted by subtle flashes of violin — one of the band's defining trademarks.
By this point, Axis Mundi has already made one thing very clear: Imminence are operating at a seriously high level. The violin is no longer simply the element that makes them stand out in a crowded metalcore scene; it feels completely woven into the band's DNA, moving naturally between brutality, melody and something genuinely cinematic. Few bands in modern metal can make something this heavy sound this elegant.
“If Not Now, When” sees the band take another turn, flirting with alternative rock and 90s grunge influences. The result is a striking balance between rough, crunchy guitars and a violin that gradually takes on more prominence as the track develops.
Things slow down with “Didn't Think About You (Lately)”, giving us a more introspective Berg in what feels like an intimate moment shared directly with the listener.
“Leviathan” raises the intensity once again. A powerful chorus contrasts with the softer opening before the track gradually builds towards an abrupt and intense finale, where heavy guitars, violin arrangements and Berg’s most visceral growls take centre stage.
As we approach the final stretch, “Shed Your Skin” delivers an atmospheric mid-tempo moment, perfectly integrating guitars with both melodic and harsh vocals. It is one of those moments where the different sides of Imminence come together naturally.
“Power Divine” increases the pace with the band's trademark alternation between clean and harsh vocals, alongside transitional passages led by the ever-present violin. The track continues to build towards its closing stages, making room for breakdowns and heavier riffs before reaching its conclusion.
Finally, we arrive at the emotional “Exodus”. Its different passages take us through a range of emotions, exploring the band's melodic strengths while bringing together many of the elements that define their sound. It provides a fitting conclusion to the album and feels like a strong contender for the upcoming live shows.
Axis Mundi confirms that Imminence have no intention of simply replicating the formula that made The Black such a success. Instead, they have expanded their sonic boundaries, giving even greater prominence to orchestral arrangements while maintaining the aggression at the heart of their music.
The balance between uncompromising heaviness and melodic beauty makes this sixth album one of the year's most refined, complex and fascinating metalcore releases. Axis Mundi feels like a natural evolution for Imminence — and another strong statement from a band continuing to push their sound forward.
Jaime Gomez for The Riff Collective
Comments