Empire was a melodic hard rock band, and were the brainchild of German guitarist Rolf Munkes (ex Majesty, ex Razorback, Crematory). They released four albums between 2001 and 2007, of which this was the second. Pride & Joy Music are planning on reissuing all four albums during 2017, and they have started with the second album for some reason. While the debut ‘Hypnotica’ featured two singers in Mark Boals (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) and Lance King (ex Nightmare), this release found them both replaced by Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath, The Alliance). The rest of the line-up all played on the debut as well, Neil Murray (bass, ex Whitesnake, Brian May Band, Black Sabbath etc.), Gerald Klos (drums) and Don Airey (keyboards, ex Rainbow, Deep Purple).
Given those involved, it’s no surprise that this is a polished album, with plenty of 80’s AOR stylings. It is catchy, it is fun, and without ever being essential, is an album that can be enjoyed the very first time it is played. This is a project as opposed to a band, and the result is that it almost feels as if the guys were playing their parts without ever giving absolutely everything they had. I would have liked to have had some more passion from Tony and if those involved had been really vested in the music then it could have been something special. As it is, it is still a good listen.
