IMPERA – Empire Of Sin (2015)

*

Whenever I see the name Matt Alfonzetti on anything, I know one thing: that what I am about to listen to will be of the highest quality, and “Empire Of Sin“, the third album from IMPERA is certainly no different.
Throw into the mix the legendary Tommy Denander (Toto, Paul Stanley and Michael Jackson to name but a few) on guitar and you have the perfect collaboration that comes together, and releases one hell of a great album.

Impera’s 2nd album was a bit dubious in the songwriting department, but on “Empire Of Sin” the guys polished the thing to the extreme: only 10 tracks but consistent as granite.
Along with the explosive and spectacular, jaw-dropping lead axeworks by Mr. Denander (“Don’t Stop”, ”Lost Boy”), the other thrilling and most obvious parameter in the Impera’s musical triumph is the superb vocal performance by Matti Alfonzetti, a very energetic actor in the Swedish Metal Scene since the mid ’80s in countless bands like Bam Bam Boys, Talisman, Skintrade, Jagged Edge, etc.
And the rhythm section is great as well: mastermind Johan Kihlberg aka J.K. Impera on blast the drums, while the deep bass parts are played by Mats Vassfjord (Laney’s Legion, Grand Design).

Except for the track “Darling” which is a calmer bluesy rocker, this new opus is set in an ‘angrier’ mood, it offers a furious slab of heavy riffage (“Fly Away”) with a darkest feel (the slight epic and TENish “End Of The World”), an unusual density in the thematic (“Hole In The Sky”) and a more metallic edge in perfect concordance with this new found songwriting method.
Yes, Impera’s new composing approach is more direct and impactful.

The brilliant “Never Enough” (a highlight) is the more AORish song on the record, a mid-tempo driven by a groovy riff quite similar to Van Halen, but with the stunning “Thunder in Your Heart”, the heaviness takes once again its prominency. “Thunder in Your Heart” is co-written with John Levén – founder member and bass player in Europe – who also contributes with a solo, but on the electric guitar!
“Light In The Sky” is an anthemic cut, a manifesto to the power of wilderness with many Whitesnake overtones, and another subtle and emotionnal solo spot for Denander.

Clearly, “Empire Of Sin” it’s Impera’s best album, and if you love your Swedish Hard Rock hot & tasty enhanced with a Melodic focus, this is for you.
The sound design created by band leader / drummer Johan Kihlberg, and mixed by Lars Chriss (Road II Ruin, Lion’s Share) is also powerful and in harmony with this new Impera’s approach: sharp, rocking and in concordance with the strong temper of headbanging songs such as opener “The Beast Is Dead” or “Evil”.

Impera have matured and honed their sound to rock you hard, and “Empire Of Sin” is their best album without a doubt. The band just signed with this third CD their own, signature style & sound.
Musically, 2015 starts pretty fast with an incredible bunch of sublime releases, and this is another one to add to the Top list.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

01. The Beast Is Dead
02. Evil
03. Don’t Stop
04. Hole In The Sky
05. End Of The World
06. Thunder In Your Heart
07. Lights In The Sky
08. Darling
09. Lost Boy
10. Fly Away

Matti Alfonzetti – Vocals
Tommy Denander – Guitar
J.K. Impera (Graham Bonnet, Vinnie Vincent Band) – Drums
Mats Vassfjord (Grand Design, Laney’s Legion) – Bass
Special guest:
John Leven – lead guitar on 6

PRE-ORDER:
www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-Sin%C2%A0-Impera/dp/B00Q5OCY8Q
.