A Goldstar Shining in A Metropolis: An Interview w/ Steve Blanco of Imperial Triumphant
New York extreme experimental act Imperial Triumphant have reimagined and deconstructed and reconstructed what metal can sound like. Garnering attentions from fans and critics with the band’s creative and dynamic musical instrumentation and iconic imagery with the band’s cloaked attire and bright gold facemasks. While working with many extreme metal acts like Tomas Haake of Meshuggah and Alex Skolnick of Testament, to adult-contemporary and saxophonist Kenny G, the band isn’t afraid to dip their toes into different waters and incorporate it into their sound. Following the release of their A Night in Tunisia covers collection, the band is about to release their sixth album Goldstar on March 21st. Having fans licking their lips and dying to hear what the band has in store for their next album.
I sat down with bassist Steve Blanco in an interview with Frozen Moon Promotions. We talked about the band’s history and their recognizable imagery. We discuss the band’s new album Goldstar and some of the guest appearances on the album. The band’s New York influences and inspiration, and some future ideas for their live shows.
FMP: Imperial Triumphant is known for being one of the most complex, technical and musically creative acts in extreme metal. Was the goal of the band to push the envelope on what extreme metal could be or did it happen naturally?
Blanco: Totally naturally. We just plug into the ether and try to channel the music that we connect with.
FMP: The band has gone through great lengths to remain oblique as possible in the media, is there a specific reason behind this?
Blanco: The media tends to skew normal healthy dialogue in order to propagate an agenda. We are observing and being who we are in this world.
FMP: Imperial Triumphant is also known for its unique imagery and stage attire on stage throughout the band’s career. Where did the idea for the look of the band come from? Were there other iterations of the band’s look before the look we know of today?
Blanco: We had thought of being counterfeiters and printing money just as the central banks do but then we came to the art deco era, which we are all fans of. It’s connect to NYC, the apex of the early 20th Century, ancient Egypt, and also looks cool.
FMP: Do you take inspiration or influence from non-metal artists when writing? Any artist that has lingered throughout the band’s history as an inspiration?
Blanco: Herbie Hancock
FMP: Imperial Triumphant released a remixed & remastered version of the band’s third album Vile Luxury last year. Why did you decide to remix & remaster that album in particular?
Blanco: We all had some notes on how cool a different mix might sound so we presented that to Colin Marston (Krallice, Gorguts) and he knocked it out of the park!
FMP: With the release of A Night in Tunisia – Covers Collection in 2023, a collection of covers from Radiohead, Rush, and Metallica done Imperial Triumphant style. Is there plans to do another collection of covers in the future?
Blanco: Why not?!
FMP: The band is about to release their new album Goldstar. What was the writing process like for the record? Are there any themes/concepts with the album?
Blanco: Goldstar emerged through a fusion of raw improvisation and structured composition, channeling themes of transformation, occult mysticism, and modern decay—an alchemical journey where heavy rhythms and ethereal cityscapes dissolve the boundaries between reality and illusion.
FMP: With Goldstar, you touch on the theme of New York and reference it being “the fuel”. Would you care to elaborate more on that for us as it seems New York City may play an important role?
Blanco: Goldstar channels the energy of New York City, not just as a source of inspiration but as a reflection of its transformation—once a beacon of ambition and mystique, now unraveling into a surreal spectacle of decadence, illusion, and devolution, all fueling the album’s sonic and thematic intensity.
FMP: Speaking of New York City, where the band is from, how is the metal scene there for you guys and do you think that emerging from there has any advantages or disadvantages for you?
Blanco: NYC has always been a city filled with all kinds of musicians. But, beyond that it’s a struggle and that is where the universe brought the three of us together. To continue the all-important expansion of the consciousness.
FMP: When Imperial Triumphant was just beginning, how did the local metal scene take to your blended avant-garde jazz that was tinged in black metal which created an experimental and often chaotic soundscape?
Blanco: The local scene in NY was a mixed bag for us but overall pretty welcoming to our sound. We have many colleagues in other bands that have come up through the scene. Our unique amalgam of musical genre bending is just who we are. We like all kinds of music and there is so much out there in the world, the universe, and beyond.
FMP: You have two songs on Goldstar that feature legendary drummers Dave Lombardo (Slayer) and Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) on. How did those collaborations come together?
Blanco: Mostly through Kenny Grohowski who is our favorite drummer haha. But, we also love Dave and Tomas, two class acts. They are icons to the three of us and we are grateful they are part of our work.
FMP: I love that you have Yoshiko Ohara on the song “NEWYORKCITY”. Can you explain how that feature came to be and the writing process for that song?
Blanco: We have been working with Yoshiko for a long time. She is kinda like another member and our special guest. Her style fits our tastes and we love her contributions to our brand of music. NYC is particularly a fab playground of a song for her to fall into.
FMP: The band is currently set to appear on The Decibel Magazine Tour w/ Mayhem, Mortiis and New Skeletal Faces. What can the fans expect with your set on the tour?
Blanco: New songs, new masks and costumes, some surprises, and a fabulous time to be had.
FMP: With the band’s stage show and music videos, the band has become more elaborate and avant-garde in style and presentation. Is there anything that is on the band’s bucket list that you would like to do live that you haven’t?
IT: Would love to have nukes on stage and a giant BBQ smoker.
