[Photo Credit: Alex Krauss]
A 96-page, full color book written by guitarist Zachary Ezrin and illustrated by Halil Mete
Incoming December 5, 2025 on Vile Luxe Press [Pre-Order]
[Photo Credit: Justin Pietropaoli]
New York City Avant-death trio IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT have announced Merkurius Gilded, a 96-page softcover graphic novel that explores the band’s themes, lyrics and artwork. Written by Imperial Triumphant’s Zachary Ezrin and illustrated by Halil Mete, the book will be released December 5th on the band’s own Vile Luxe Press and is available for pre-order here. All preorders will come with an exclusive Caduceus gold patch in addition to the book.
IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT’s Zachary Ezrin comments: “This is a very special project for me as it’s something that has taken me 5 years to complete. I look forward to sharing this vision and story with all of you. I hope you enjoy it as I enjoyed creating it.”
Merkurius Gilded illustrator / visual artist Halil Mete adds: “Being an extreme metal fan, working with IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT on this book was nothing short of a dream come true. Bringing their dystopian world to life through my art, guided by the intensity of their music, was an unforgettable creative experience that will forever mark a milestone in my career.”
Merkurius Gilded synopsis: “In the city of New Colossus, a lower class worker is seduced by high society luxury lifestyle and ends up uncovering the true dark secrets of the ‘greatest city on earth.’ Will she infiltrate and destroy their corruption or succumb to the pleasures of its swarming opulence?”
IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT released their sixth full-length, Goldstar, on March 21, 2025. Hailed as “their best album to date,” (Anthony Fantano, The Needle Drop) Goldstar is a long cool drag and as intense an urban fever dream as only the metal trio can deliver. Now, the band will close out the year with Merkurius Gilded — a pivotal part of their prolific and stylistically varied legacy.
Look for more news from IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT soon.
IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT Live:
Dec 12 New York, NY — Jazz From Hell Festival
IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT Online:
Official Site