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
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In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
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Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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