Rise Records [Release date 03.02.17]
Galactic Empire caused a stir last year on YouTube with their version of the ‘Main Theme’ from ‘Star Wars’ – currently over 3m views and counting. Now they unleash a full album of their versions of the music from the iconic film and John Williams score. The band consists of Boba Sett (drums), Bass Commander (bass), Dark Vader (lead guitar), Shadow Ranger (guitar) and Red Guard (guitar). Subtle name changes but ‘Star Wars’ fans know who they mean ;-)
They have conjured up a good back story with Dark Vader commenting on the band’s playing for instance, “These instruments are crude but should be adequate to shred some faces as we journey across the galaxy.” And shred they do as the metal re-workings of the soundtrack works incredibly well, aided by the band’s high level of musicianship.
The rhythm section really provides a suitably menacing backbeat when required, for instance on the ’Imperial March’. The guitars match the original score perfectly and they have some fun on ‘Cantina Band’ with all manner of guitar effects. Be interesting to watch the film with the Galactic Empire’s album as the soundtrack.
We’ve heard from the Dark Side, now all we need is a Rebel Alliance take on things…until then ‘Star Wars’ and rock fans can enjoy this well played and enjoyable album. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Wed-1-Feb London 02 Academy Islington
Thu-2-Feb Southampton Joiners
Fri-3-Feb Milton Keynes The Craufard Arms
Sat-4-Feb Brighton Patterns
Sun-5-Feb Plymouth The Hub
Mon-6-Feb Bristol Fleece
Tue-7-Feb Cardiff Globe
Wed-8-Feb Birmingham Academy 3
Thu-9-Feb Leamington Spa Zephyr Lounge
Fri-10-Feb Manchester Satans Hollow
Sat-11-Feb Edinburgh Opium
Sun-12-Feb Glasgow ABC2
Mon-13-Feb Newcastle Academy2
Tue-14-Feb Reading Sub89
Wed-15-Feb Oxford Academy2
Thu-16-Feb Derby The Venue
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Latest session: Sunday 14 April
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 7 April 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 2 April 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024
ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)
To see our Tweets you need to be logged in to a Twitter account
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
