EMPIRIC – The Seven Laws (2024) *HQ*
EMPIRIC presents their second album entitled ”The Seven Laws”, a metal, hard rock, progressive and more – affair with a lyrical concept based on the book The Seven Spiritual Laws by Deepak Chopra. The album was produced by founder ‘JP’, who is also in charge of the guitars and vocals, joined by experienced bassist Luis Mariutti (Shaman, Angra) and drumming prodigy Chus Gancedo.
”The Seven Laws” also features special collaborations by talented Sascha Paeth (Avantasia, Heaven’s Gate), Doug Scarratt (Saxon), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Metalium), and others – all mixed & mastered by legendary producer Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Arch Enemy, etc) .
EMPIRIC is a really interesting band that incorporates elements from different styles and genres united for a quite original sonic amalgam. This is progressive, but not ‘intelectual’. There’s metal riffs, swirling solos, but the band surprises with some even pop twists, some groovy hard rock, they add tribal percussion, foreign melodies, etc.
As example, opener ‘There’s More Power’ has a certain NWoBHM feel, but next track ‘With Your Desires’ begins with a heavy bass, then shifts to a little ‘heavy reggae’ including horns, to finally explode with a metallic blast. And all works greatly.
‘Karma’ is muscular prog metal, with a great guitar solo from Avantasia’s mastermind Sascha Paeth, then ‘Step into the Unknown’ is even heavier, darker, with a little Savatage feel so it’s no surprise Chris Caffery appears as guest.
‘Mission’ is open and more modern, with a big bass-guitar driving the song with has a lot of dynamics, and again, it’s different from the previous.
EMPIRIC shows their versatility with ‘Don’t Forget’, a hard rocker in a cross between Rainbow and early Saxon, and yes, here’s where Doug Scarratt appears as guest with a sharp solo. More hard rock this time dialed to the ’90s is the core of ‘Live in the Moment’, punchy, potent, with energy.
A very strong album from a band with good ideas, varied songwriting, and solid production.
Highly Recommended
01 – There’s More Power
02 – With Your Desires
03 – Don’t Stop It
04 – Karma (feat Sascha Paeth)
05 – Step into the Unknown (feat Chris Caffery)
06 – Mission
07 – Don’t Forget (feat Doug Scarratt)
08 – Live in the Moment
JP: Vocals, Guitars
Luis Mariutti: Bass
Chus Gancedo: Drums
Solo on “Karma”: Sascha Paeth
Solo on “Step Into The Unknown”: Chris Caffery
Solo on “Mission”: Tonio Ruiz
Solo on “Don’t Forget”: Doug Scarratt
Additional Vocals on “Karma”: Eddie Lejhagen
Horns on “With Your Desires” and “Don’t Stop It”: Gustavo Caluga, Marcelo Véliz
BUY
www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVJ2ZDRQ
