R.A.I.D. Reveal New Album ‘Imperium’

After releasing two singles in March and May, Hyderabad’s sole hardcore frontrunners R.A.I.D. have announced their latest full-length album Imperium, which will release on Indiana, U.S. record label Rottweiler Records on June 28th.

The band – who also incorporate crossover thrash elements for a sound that recalls hardcore bands like Hatebreed and Madball – released the quick-paced “Unbreakable” in March, bundling it with another incendiary track called “Seven.” In May, the unsparing track “Outrage” was put together with “Steadfast,” a bouncier, groovier offering. With four out of seven songs off Imperium already out, R.A.I.D. has revealed that the album is inspired by biblical character of Samson. Vocalist and founder Rueban Issac says, “Samson was depicted as the epitome of strength in the bible. Though, we might not be like Samson, we, as individuals have unique strengths that we can use. No matter who you are, what age group you belong, or what the status of your life may be, you have a gift that you can use.”

Although they’re heavily influenced by Christian material, R.A.I.D. are clear that it’s more about the message than other matters. The new songs on Imperium — the followup to 2018’s The Strong Survive — deal with fighting pain and learning necessary lessons. “If there’s something ‘negative’ happening in your life right now, chances are that you need to learn to accept people the way they are. The album music shows you how to gather yourself and be stronger than you have ever been, based on everyday life experiences,” the vocalist adds.

Artwork for R.A.I.D.’s new album ‘Imperium.’

Imperium tracklist:
1. “Unbreakable”
2. “Seven”
3. “Outrage”
4. “Blind”
5. “Judged”
6. “Steadfast”
7. “Imperium”