EMPIRE (Tony Martin) – Trading Souls [2017 reissue]

Throughout 2017, German label Pride & Joy Music are reissuing revised editions of all EMPIRE albums, the Hard Rock super-group of German guitarist Rolf Munkes. “Trading Souls” is the sophomore release from the band, the first with the formidable vocal talents of Tony Martin (ex- Black Sabbath), and my all time favorite from Empire because it’s their more 80s Melodic Hard Rock oriented effort.

Alongside this German axe-slinger skills we have the keyboard wizardry of Don Airey (Deep Purple / ex- Rainbow), whilst bass legend Neil Murray (ex- Whitesnake) forms a tight rhythmic unit with drummer Gerald Kloos (Winterlong / Condition Red).
There’s even a special guest in drummer Anders Johansson (ex- Yngwie Malmsteen) who plays on two tracks.

It’s always a supreme pleasure to hear Tony Martin. His performance on the catchy opener “One In A Million” clearly shows why the man is one of the best Rock singers of his generation. A great melodic hard rock track in the classic Whitesnake tradition.
The same can be said for “Teenage Deadhead”, a mellow tune that hints of perhaps Riverdogs, with sweeping melodies and tuneful acoustic guitar work from Munkes.

Fans of heavier hard rock music will love “Big World, Little Man”, the catchy riff-o-rama of “You” , or the guitar crunch of “Wherever You Go.” Munkes proves to be a capable guitarist, not one to overplay, but injects plenty of meaty riffs and wah-wah tinged solos throughout.
His thick chords and harmonic fills are highlighted on the upbeat closer “Back in the Light”, another stellar Tony Martin performance in a song whose lyrics tells of the desire for this type of music to once again top the charts.

The 10 tracks in “Trading Souls” perfectly showcase the combined decades of experience and talent from this super group Empire. The end result is a melodic, hard rock record brimming with catchy anthems and great ensemble playing.
Originally released in 2003, “Trading Souls” saw Empire return after their 2001 debut ‘Hypnotica’ with an album full of killer songs in a classic late ’80s melodious rockin’ setting.

Now after a number of years being out of print, Lion Music presents a new limited edition digipak version of the CD which sees the album sounding as fresh in 2017 as it did when originally released.
Remember, this is Empire’s ’80s Melodic Hard Rock’ album, the others are more hard rock.
We are definitely looking at a contemporary-classic. Yes, it’s that good.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

01. One In A Million
02. Pay Back Time
03. Teenage Deadhead*
04. Big World, Little Man
05. You
06. Perfect Singularity
07. Wherever You Go*
08. Did You Ever Love Me
09. Comin’ Home
10. Back In The Light

Tony Martin – Vocals
Rolf Munkes – Guitars
Neil Murray – Bass
Gerald Kloos – Drums
Don Airey – Keyboards
Anders Johansson – Drums *

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XKC2STL
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