Kev Rowland Empire was a melodic hard rock band, and were the brainchild of German guitarist Rolf Munkes (ex Majesty, ex Razorback, Crematory). They released four albums between 2001 and 2007, of which this was the second. Pride & Joy Music are planning on reissuing all four albums during 2017, and they have started with the second album for some reason. While the debut ‘Hypnotica’ featured two singers in Mark Boals (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) and Lance King (ex Nightmare), this release found them both replaced by Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath, The Alliance). The rest of the line-up all played on the debut as well, Neil Murray (bass, ex Whitesnake, Brian May Band, Black Sabbath etc.), Gerald Klos (drums) and Don Airey (keyboards, ex Rainbow, Deep Purple).

Given those involved, it’s no surprise that this is a polished album, with plenty of 80’s AOR stylings. It is catchy, it is fun, and without ever being essential, is an album that can be enjoyed the very first time it is played. This is a project as opposed to a band, and the result is that it almost feels as if the guys were playing their parts without ever giving absolutely everything they had. I would have liked to have had some more passion from Tony and if those involved had been really vested in the music then it could have been something special. As it is, it is still a good listen.

Time Signature One In A Million...

Genre: hard rock / melodic metal

Originally released in 2003, Empire's "Trading Souls" was rereleased in June on Lion Music, making it one of the many releases being reissued on that label. And a look at the line-up, which features Tony Martin, Don Airey, Rolf Munkes and the less prolific but no less skilled Gerald Kloos should make a lot of metal and hard rock fans ecstatic with excitement about this reissue.

And, yes, it looks good on paper. And, well, it sounds good on CD, too, but, while there are a lot of good songs on the album, and a lot of nice details (especially Rolf Munkes' solos), the overall impression of this album is that it is a bit lackluster, and it seems as if all the musicians involved are generally holding back - especially Tony Martin whose voice is otherwise extremely powerful and clear seems only a shadow of himself on this album.

But, when it all comes down, there is a lot of melody and a lot of catchy choruses and, as mentioned, awesome guitar solos on this album. Most of the tracks are solid and, while not a masterpiece in any sense, "Trading Souls" is nonetheless an enjoyable album which fans of melodic metal and 80s-informed AOR-tinged hard rock should be able to appreciate.