As IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT continues to establish itself as one of the most adventurous and forward-thinking bands in modern metal, bassist Steve Blanco is exploring a completely different side of that creative universe through his solo project Imprints of Man.
Named after the independently released album that arrived last year, the project reinterprets Imperial Triumphant's music through solo piano arrangements, revealing an entirely different perspective on the band's compositions.
Rather than relying on the distortion, brass arrangements and overwhelming intensity typically associated with Imperial Triumphant, Imprints of Man strips the music down to its core structures. The unsettling harmonies, jagged rhythms and dark atmospheres remain intact, but are presented through the intimacy and vulnerability of solo piano performance.
Blanco approaches these works not as simple transcriptions but as reinterpretations. Improvisation and personal expression play an important role throughout the performances, allowing familiar compositions to evolve beyond their original framework.
The album was recorded at GB's Juke Joint NYC in November 2023 and produced by Steve Blanco alongside Zachary Ezrin. Engineering duties were handled by Colin Mohnacs, while Benny Black mixed and mastered the project at Solaris Sonor.
The upcoming performances will feature the complete Imprints of Man program, offering audiences an opportunity to experience Imperial Triumphant's music in an entirely new setting. Meet-and-greet sessions are also planned following the concerts.
September 3, 2026 — Vienna, Austria — Salon Brahms September 6, 2026 — Budapest, Hungary — FUGA
