Spirit of Ecstasy is the fifth studio album by American avant-garde metal band Imperial Triumphant. It was released on July 22, 2022 through Century Media Records.
The album was announced on May 20, 2022, accompanied by the release and music video of the first single, "Maximalist Scream". The title of the album is a reference to the hood ornament on Rolls-Royce vehicles. Vocalist and guitarist Zachary Ezrin stated the album âÂÂwas inspired by luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Rolex." He continued, "TheyâÂÂre not just putting out products that are expensive, but ones that are incredibly high-quality in terms of the attention to detail that goes in."
The album features multiple guest musicians, including Voivod's Denis Bélanger, Testament's Alex Skolnick, and Kenny G.
Like its predecessor, the album was recorded at Colin Marston's Menegroth Studios in New York City.
The album has been described as avant-garde metal, blackened death metal, and jazz fusion.
Max Morin of Metal Injection gave the album a score of 7/10 and wrote "It's musically similar to their 2020 breakthrough Alphaville, but with a much more defined sound that gives each instrument room to breathe. It's distinct move away from the buzzy 'trve kvlt' guitar sound of their early releases and it suits Imperial Triumphant just fine." Paul Travers of Kerrang! gave it a score of 3/5 and stated "Spirit Of Ecstasy certainly isnâÂÂt an easy listen. There are moments where it seems like theyâÂÂre trying a little too hard to be different for confrontationâÂÂs own sake, but the album succeeds in its own lack of boundaries and utter refusal to compromise."