Empires of Eden Reborn in Fire

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by Joe Mis
Staff Writer

If there is such a thing as a power metal supergroup, Empires Of Eden is probably the closest to filling the bill. Reborn In Fire is the second album from EOE, the brainchild of renowned metal guitarist Stu Marshall (Dungeon, Paindivision). While only the vocalist changes from track to track, the variety of songwriting styles and differing performances make this seem like a proverbial “all star team.”

Basically a duo, Empires of Eden manages to put out some tight traditional power metal. Stu Marshall plays guitars and bass, and does both well. He is a very powerful rhythm guitarist, a solid metal bassist and a decent soloist. When he solos slowly you can hear the raw emotion and feel his talent, but some of his solos follow the shredder’s mantra of “play fast” and seem to just deteriorate into barrages of random notes. For the most part, Marshall’s guitar work is very appropriate to the genre and song style. His rhythm lines are power metal standard – big hooks, chuggy rhythms and massive energetic riffs. He is capable of holding his own as a bass player, but it is obvious that his first love is the guitar. Jason “Jasix” Manewell does everything a power metal drummer needs to do – from massive booming double bass to broken double bass to soft and subtle cymbal work.

Vocals on Reborn In Fire are handled by a number of veteran metal voices. Taking the microphone for this release in order of appearance: Mike Vescera (Loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen), Louie Gorgievski (Crimson Fire), Sean Peck (Cage), Zak Stevens (Savatage, Circle II Circle), Mike Zoias (Dune, Transcending Mortality, Avarin), Chris Ninni (Stu Marshall), Steve Grimmett (Onslaught, Grim Reaper, Lionsheart), and Carlos Zema (Οutworld). While the entire album is pure power metal, each vocalist brings his own unique style to the music – which is both a plus and a minus. On the upside, there is no doubt that this is an amazing collection of vocal talent, and it is wonderful to hear so many great voices on one CD. On the downside, the variety of vocal tones and styles make the album more like a compilation CD than a cohesive recording.

Stu Marshall also handled the production and engineering. The sound quality is impressive all around, and everything is well balanced and clearly audible with the typical crisp and clean power metal tone.

Some of the musical highlights: Louie Gorgievski’s layered vocals and Marshall’s intense fretwork on “Enter The Storm”; Sean Peck’s awesome vocals on “Total Devastation”; the entire dark and moody track “Prognatus Ut Obscurum”; the well written and well performed “Beyond Daybreak” – Steve Grimmett hasn’t lost a step; Stu Marshall’s amazing guitar intro on “Death Machine”; the subtle yet pounding “Searching Within”; all of “Rising” from the choppy rhythm line to the great vocals.

On the whole, Reborn In Fire is a solid power metal album. Unfortunately, that’s all it is – solid power metal. It is a bit disappointing that such an all-star lineup didn’t try to push the envelope in terms of musical style or songwriting. There is nothing truly unique or evolutionary about any of the music or lyrics – it is just typical, ordinary power metal. Perhaps if Empires Of Eden would stick to a single vocalist it would help them to develop their own unique style and become something more than an ordinary power metal band. Stu Marshall definitely has the talent and ability to go well beyond the ordinary.

If you are into power metal, pick this up, as it is a prime example of the genre and an excellent recording. If you are looking for something a bit beyond the run-of-the-mill, you might be a little disappointed.

Genre: Power Metal

Band:
Stu Marshall (guitars, bass)
Jason “Jasix” Manewell (drums)
Mike Vescera (vocals)
Louie Gorgievski (vocals)
Sean Peck (vocals)
Zak Stevens (vocals)
Mike Zoias (vocals)
Chris Ninni (vocals)
Steve Grimmett (vocals)
Carlos Zema (vocals)
Bobby Williams (keyboard solo on “Enter The Storm”)

Track Listing:
1. Of Light and Shadows (vocals by Mike Vescera)
2. Enter the Storm (vocals by Louie Gorgievski)
3. Total Devastation (vocals by Sean Peck)
4. Prognatus Ut Obscurum (vocals by Zak Stevens)
5. Reborn in Fire (vocals by Chris Ninni &Mike Zoias)
6. Beyond Daybreak (vocals by Steve Grimmett)
7. Death Machine (vocals by Louie Gorgievski)
8. Searching Within (vocals by Louie Gorgievski)
9. Rising (vocals by Carlos Zema)

Label: 7Hard / Activist Music

Website: http://www.myspace.com/empiresofeden

Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10