Ok, only posting this here as a new thread because I know a large portion of the people on this forum are interested in Matt's disc, and for those who aren't, you just haven't listened to it at all 
One of the main things you will most likely hear any metal reviewer bitch about is the amount of shitty discs they get. Few are optimistic enough to point out the fact that every now and then there are some good or even great cds in the slew of crap. This is a disc that, once I opened the package I knew it was going to kick ass. Now, admittedly this was because I’ve been listening to this disc just about every step along the way of its writing and recording, but despite hearing the songs since infancy, the disc has exceeded my expectations more than I can even describe. The problem with writing this review is after listening to the finished disc extensively for 5 months (I’ve had my hands on it since October). At this point, any objectivity I may have had has been thrown out the window long ago, but there’s still a review to be written.
Dark Empire is, for the sake of ease in the description, a straight up metal band (think the likes of Rage and Nevermore) tinged with power metal, neoclassical, and even a hint of death metal here and there. Aside from the opening two tracks (We Will Never Die is a generic yet strong power metal anthem, and The Alchemist is reminiscent of Iron Savior), this is one of the few discs that I’ve heard in a long time that has its own identity. Guitarist/Songwriter Matt Moliti proudly wears his influences on his sleeves (Michael Romeo touch on the instrumental “The Final Vision” and the Children of Bodom-ish “Northern Sky” melody) without falling into the trap of copying any of the artists. Songs such as the mid-paced Distant Tides and A Soul Divided have a feel to them that is very unique.
Of course, vocalist Jens Carlsson is sure to bring comparisons to his other bands, Persuader and Savage Circus, but this is a completely different beast than either of those. Dark Empire is much more stripped down vocally than Savage Circus and a little heavier and darker than Persuader. He still sounds like Jens, but once again, this has a different identity and Jens sounds like a whole new vocalist. The band is rounded out by Noah Martin (Lilitu, Blood Promise) and and Teemu Tahkanen (with the little dots over the a’s) who provide a solid backbone for the songs while still adding their own flair. The band plays as a solid unit, and while it is very song oriented, there are still plenty of shredding solos all over the album, the way metal should be! Add to that very solid production by Jeremy Krull and Matt and you have yourself one hell of a debut album.
I cannot say enough about this disc. The only potential downfall is the length: six tracks clocking in at about 37 minutes. As I’m not picky and happen to have a very short attention span, so I rather enjoy being able to throw this disc on and listen to it 5 times in a row without getting antsy. With the release only a month away, you’d be well advised to pre-order yourself a copy from CD Inzane. You probably won’t be finding this disc at your local brick and mortar store, so get that credit card out and pick up this sumnabitch right away, and expect very big things in the future. The Dark Empire is rising, and the Distant Tides draw near!
Website - www.darkempire.nu
Download the Northern Sky websingle HERE!!!
originally posted on www.doomsdaymusic.com
One of the main things you will most likely hear any metal reviewer bitch about is the amount of shitty discs they get. Few are optimistic enough to point out the fact that every now and then there are some good or even great cds in the slew of crap. This is a disc that, once I opened the package I knew it was going to kick ass. Now, admittedly this was because I’ve been listening to this disc just about every step along the way of its writing and recording, but despite hearing the songs since infancy, the disc has exceeded my expectations more than I can even describe. The problem with writing this review is after listening to the finished disc extensively for 5 months (I’ve had my hands on it since October). At this point, any objectivity I may have had has been thrown out the window long ago, but there’s still a review to be written.
Dark Empire is, for the sake of ease in the description, a straight up metal band (think the likes of Rage and Nevermore) tinged with power metal, neoclassical, and even a hint of death metal here and there. Aside from the opening two tracks (We Will Never Die is a generic yet strong power metal anthem, and The Alchemist is reminiscent of Iron Savior), this is one of the few discs that I’ve heard in a long time that has its own identity. Guitarist/Songwriter Matt Moliti proudly wears his influences on his sleeves (Michael Romeo touch on the instrumental “The Final Vision” and the Children of Bodom-ish “Northern Sky” melody) without falling into the trap of copying any of the artists. Songs such as the mid-paced Distant Tides and A Soul Divided have a feel to them that is very unique.
Of course, vocalist Jens Carlsson is sure to bring comparisons to his other bands, Persuader and Savage Circus, but this is a completely different beast than either of those. Dark Empire is much more stripped down vocally than Savage Circus and a little heavier and darker than Persuader. He still sounds like Jens, but once again, this has a different identity and Jens sounds like a whole new vocalist. The band is rounded out by Noah Martin (Lilitu, Blood Promise) and and Teemu Tahkanen (with the little dots over the a’s) who provide a solid backbone for the songs while still adding their own flair. The band plays as a solid unit, and while it is very song oriented, there are still plenty of shredding solos all over the album, the way metal should be! Add to that very solid production by Jeremy Krull and Matt and you have yourself one hell of a debut album.
I cannot say enough about this disc. The only potential downfall is the length: six tracks clocking in at about 37 minutes. As I’m not picky and happen to have a very short attention span, so I rather enjoy being able to throw this disc on and listen to it 5 times in a row without getting antsy. With the release only a month away, you’d be well advised to pre-order yourself a copy from CD Inzane. You probably won’t be finding this disc at your local brick and mortar store, so get that credit card out and pick up this sumnabitch right away, and expect very big things in the future. The Dark Empire is rising, and the Distant Tides draw near!
Website - www.darkempire.nu
Download the Northern Sky websingle HERE!!!
originally posted on www.doomsdaymusic.com
