Sound Clips   
Track 1 - Head
Track 2 - Squeeze
Track 3 - Feel
Track 4 - There's A Time
Track 5 - Stand
Track 6 - All I Want
Track 7 - Cry
Track 8 - Falling
Track 9 - On My Mind
Track 10 - Slipping Away
Track 11 - Detroit Rock City

Click one of the above tracks download the mp3 sound clip.




 
 
Empire The Power
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Australia has given us some quality rock bands over the years, AC/DC, INXS and Rose Tattoo are the more famous that spring to mind. However, in 1994 a self-titled album appeared by a fresh young band called Empire….

Empire were then a four piece based in New South Wales, led by Steve Simmons (Guitars, Keys, Lead Vocals) and Sony Stevan (Guitar & Vocals). The debut sounded like a mixture of Skid Row, TNT, Crown of Thorns and fellow Australians Ice Tiger, the drummer from this band was actually in the original Empire line-up. Whilst this was not a fantastic debut, it was certainly more than enough to get tongues wagging for the future of this energy-filled quartet. Songs like “Shadowking”, “Above and Below” and “Miles Gone” all made their mark with thunderous aplomb.

Four years on and the band is essentially a two-piece, namely Simmons and Stevan. The sound is more polished; yet retaining the aggressive edge that spawned appeal in the first instance. This is one rocking album, check out songs like “Head” and “Squeeze” for originality. Then, at a swift stroke, the mood changes to the tune of “Feel” and keyboards come into play. If that is not enough, then the twosome turn their hand to a beautifully executed guitar strummer in the shape of “There’s a Time”, a song that could have been performed by Mr. Big, the vocal resemblance of Simmons to Eric Martin is quite uncanny on this song. Then it’s heads down for the driving force of “Stand” which has an infectious guitar chord that breathes life into 90’s rock in one short stroke. “Cry” is a crunching up-tempo ballad that has a simple, yet effective chorus and superb arrangements, whilst “On my mind” sees keyboards backing that guitar orientated hallmark. “Slipping Away” is typical Empire, thunderous guitars and all, leading on to the grand finale, which is a magnificent cover of the Kiss classic “Detroit Rock City”.

This is Australia’s finest young rock band, quality music from down under if you like, and is a great follow-up to their acclaimed debut. Another great release on the ever-expanding Escape label.