IMPERA — Legacy Of Life (review)

IMPERA — Legacy Of Life album cover Album · 2012 · Hard Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Time Signature
Shoot me down...

Genre: hard rock

With Matt Alfonzetti on vocals and the enigmatic drummer JK Impera as the main man, Impera should pique the interest of any hard rock enthusiasts. Add to the mix Tommy Denander and Mats Vassfjord whose CVs are just mindblowing, and you have a supergroup of hard rock.

That looks good on paper, but does it sound good on your stereo?

Melody is the keyword on this album, but it is set against the backdrop of all things hard rock. Thus, 'Turn My Heart to Stone', while at heart (pun not intended) a melodic hard rocker, features both hard rocking grooves and dirty funky elements along the lines of Aerosmith (back when Aerosmith were actually a rock band and not just a cheesy power ballad band). 'Kiss of Death' is more of an AOR-influenced affair, although in the heavier end of the AOR gamut, and 'Break the Law' takes us back to groove-and-funk land (the band revisit this region of hard rock again in 'Show me the Money'). 'Shoot Me Down' is a more aggressive affair, featuring some metal riffage, but its main effect is that it is uplifting as hell (and one of the best track on the album, for my money), and 'Sunset Rider' as an awesome drive (think the Airwolf theme on steroids - lots of steroids) and is another favorite of mine. Another uplifting track is the all out metal rocker 'More than Meets the Eye' (awesomely groovy chorus, folks).

Given the band members' CVs, it goes without saying that we are dealing with impeccable musicianship. John Corabi was originally intended to take care of the vocal duties but when he was unable to do that, Matt Alfonzetti was brought into the fold, and I, for one, really like this choice. Alfonzetti has a unique voice which is, with its smooth and clear quality, is instantly recognizable. His vocals is definitely one of the albums top attractions.

If you like 80s hard rock but dislike the sleaze of 80s glam metal, then Impera's debut should be up your alley. It captures all tat is good about hard rock and glam metal, leaving behind the sleaze and the obnoxiousness.

In other words, "Legacy of Life" is a classy hard rock album! And, yes, it sounds good on the stereo.
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