Search - Empire :: Chasing Shadows

Building Empires

Nikiforos V. Skoumas | Athens Greece, Cambridge UK | 03/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fourth release by "Empire", brain child of guitarist Rolf Munkes. This is their first album to feature Doogie White (ex- "Rainbow", "Yngwie Malmsteen") on vocals alongside stable members Mike "Terrana" (ex- "Yngwie Malmsteen", ex- "Rage", "Masterplan") on drums and classic bassist Neil Murray (ex- "Whitesnake", ex- "Black Sabbath"). From the bands mentioned above none is mirrored directly through the sound of "Empire". Still the group manages to deliver a classic mixture of catchy hard rock and metal. This album features the biggest choruses White has ever sung on a studio release; not to mention how passionate he sounds in comparison to his work with Malmsteen. Additionally the guitar parts, although not terribly innovative, manage to create stimulating melodies that leave quite an impression. Finally the rhythm section sounds fantastically solid with the most flamboyant playing going to Terrana while Murray represents the sensible force of the band's foundation.

If you enjoyed "The Codex" by Mark Boals and Magnus Carlsson you will most likely love this album just as much.



"Metal Hammer" Greek magazine (issue 277) marks this album with 7/10 commenting "A project that sounds more like a tight full time band."



"Rockhard" Greek magazine (issue 27) also marks this album with 7/10 commenting "Good job by Empire with an impressive production."

"

Rainbow without Dio

Cathleen Azzinaro | Baltimore, MD USA | 07/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you love Dio (who doesn't?), this writing style is very similar. Good vocals, heavy, soulful riffs...give it a chance - its worth it!"