Empire
The Raven Ride

Release date: May 12th 2006
Label: Metal Heaven
Provided by: Germusica Promotion

Website:
www.rolfmunkes.com
Style:
Hard Rock / Heavy Rock

Rating: 72/100
Cover artwork rating: 77/100

Reviewed by: Peter Laursen
Date: April 6th 2006

Third album from Empire featuring Guitarist Rolf Munkes (Majesty), singer Tony Martin (ex Black Sabbath), Neil Murray, bass (ex Whitesnake) and drummer Andre Hilgers (Axxis, Silent Force). The first two is called “Hypnotica” (2001) and “Trading Souls” (2003).

This album really needs time to sink in. I can honest tell you that I was very disappointed with “The Raven Ride”, at first, but of course I gave it another chance and another and… suddenly it began to open up to me. Not that I consider this album to be the best I have ever heard, but it is quite good.

This is well crafted Hard Rock and Heavy Rock that reminds me a bit… a bit of Black Sabbath’s “Headless Cross”. Some how I find this album “cosy” and I have nothing more to say about this album except for that the production done by Rolf Munkes is good and if you are into 80’s and 90’s Heavy Rock maybe you should check this album out.

But one should not give too much on the first impression, but rather give it more chances to see, if it might grow. I look forward to hearing what Empire can turn out in the future.