EMPIRES OF EDEN – Guardians Of Time [CD version +1] (2024)

TB /// RG

Put together by musician / songwriter Stu Marshall, EMPIRES OF EDEN brings together a rare coalition of some of the metal scene most formidable musicians. This isn’t a typical collaboration; it’s a bold, creative venture that challenges the conventions of the genre.
Crossing styles like hard rock, power metal, AOR and thrash elements, EMPIRES OF EDEN upcoming album “Guardians Of Time” (November 15) shows a deep creative input from a wide range of talent. The record is a statement of intent from some of the most respected names in metal. It’s not about nostalgia; it’s about innovation and the future of melodic metal as a creative force.
Produced by Marshall, who has worked closely with each vocalist – among them there’s David Readman (Voodoo Circle), Rob Rock (Impellitteri), Darren Smith (Harem Scarem) – to ensure that their contribution is both individual and integral to the whole, the album represents a new model of collaboration in heavy music.
This CD version bonus track is an alternate version of the song “Baptise This Hell“, featuring The Aussie Alliance that’s consisting of Danny Cecati (Wicked Smile), Louie Gorgievski (Night Legion), John “Gio” Cavaliere (Black Majesty), Genevieve Rodda (Temtris), Anthony Fox (Temtris) and Aaron Adie (Elm Street).

The album opens with the instrumental “The Dawn March”, setting the stage for the title track, “Guardians of Time”, featuring incredible vocals by Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI) and dynamic bass guitar by John Gallagher (RAVEN). This is one epic power metal song, featuring one of our all-time favorite singers. The song is about the passing of time and life being short and fleeting.

The next track, however, is even better, and became one of ou favorite songs of the year. “When Will It End” is catchy as hell and a potential single in my opinion, with vocals provided by Darren Smith (HAREM SCAREM). The track also features the great Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X) on bass.
Another very good song, “Mortal Rites”, featuring vocals by Jonas Heidgert (DRAGONLAND) and a solo by Tony Truglio (LIEGE LORD), is possibly the most aggressive song on this album, and quick a lesson in speed metal precision.

“The Inner Me” is more on the melodic side of things, featuring some orchestration and the brilliant lead vocals of David Readman (VOODOO CIRCLE). “When The Beast Comes Out” features the powerhouse vocals of Sean Peck (CAGE) with whom Marshall has collaborated many times before in the epic power metal band DEATH DEALER. Next is the blistering instrumental “Arabian Nights”, which gives Marshall a chance to show off his guitar chops. The track acts as a divider between the first and last half of the album.

“Stand United” sees vocalist Tony Webster (ARCHETYPE) coming out of retirement to add to his legacy of work. This is a great vocal performance that features a great message of union. “August Runs Red” features vocalist Louie Gorgievski, whom Marshall is band mate with in NIGHT LEGION. This scorching track shows why he’s Marshall’s go-to singer, with this and the following song, “Baptise This Hell”. This song is featured again at the end of the album as an alternate version bonus track featuring additional Australian vocalists John Cavaliere (BLACK MAJESTY) and Danny Cecati (WICKED SMILE) and members of ELM STREET and TEMTRIS, among others.
The final proper track of this album is one of the best songs to be included, the burning and churning “The Devil’s Only Friend”, performed by legendary singer/drummer Jeff Martin (RACER X). Mike LePond also plays bass on this track.

Clearly the hero of ”Guardians Of Time” is Stu Marshall, who wrote all the music, lyrics and melodies to “When Will It End” and “The Inner Me”. The lyrics and melodies on “Mortal Rites” and “Baptise This Hell” were written by Louis Gorgievski.
The lyrics to the other songs were written by the singers themselves, giving them the chance to shine in a writing capacity as well, and it’s quite a showcase of world class talent. The guitar work on this album is simply amazing.
So much work went into this album, you really need to do yourself a favor and seek it out; it warrants hearing on your loudest sound system.
”Guardians Of Time” is one of the best metal albums of the year and will be available from Massacre Records on November 15th.
Highly Recommended

01. The Dawn March
02. Guardians Of Time (feat. Rob Rock & John Gallagher)
03. When Will It End (feat. Darren Smith & Mike LePond)
04. Mortal Rites (feat. Jonas Heidgert & Tony Truglio)
05. The Inner Me (feat. David Readman)
06. When The Beast Comes Out (feat. Sean Peck)
07. Arabian Nights
08. Stand United (feat. Tony Webster)
09. August Runs Red (feat. Louie Gorgievski)
10. Baptise This Hell (feat. Louie Gorgievski)
11. The Devil’s Only Friend (feat. Jeff Martin & Mike LePond)
BONUS TRACK:
12. Baptise This Hell (feat. The Aussie Alliance) [Alternate Version]

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