EMPIRES NEVER LAST

This album by Galahad is among the highest rated neo-progressive records and I must say; I already loved this record before I really got to know it. It has this great dark sound. A bit muddy in a mysterious way, yet so bright and detailed. By the way, I own the recent 2LP vinyl remaster. The great a capella opening reminds me of the soundtrack of the movie 'Ghost in the Shell' and the main riff of 'Defiance part 2' is simply amazing. After that the band just keeps on firing these songs in which I can't find a single original idea - but holy mother of god do they hit the right notes! On 'Empires Never Last' the band just can't seem to do anything wrong, which is precisely what separates it from all other Galahad albums.

The band combines heavy metal guitars, symphonic/melodic lead guitars, eighties vocals (AOR, metal and more Fish-like), modern electronics (trance) and gothic sounds of the more traditional neo-prog pallet. The lively vocals of Stuart Nicholson, whose performance outshines the poorly conceived political engaged lyrics, give every song those truly catchy & compelling moments. Another key element to the succes of 'Empires Never Last' is the aggressive performance of the heavier parts. The electronic music arrangements work really well because the band itself doesn't sound mechanical at all. I don't think I would have come to see this album as a neo- progressive record without others labeling it as such, to me it sounds closer to - for instance - 'Epica'-era Kamelot. Symphonic metal with a progressive twist.

The packaging and artwork of the 2LP is among the best I've ever seen. The bonustracks on the fourth side are even quite charming, especially the orchestral version of 'Empires Never Last'. Despite its flaws, this is a compelling and brilliant sounding album for me. I find myself waiting for a perfect moment to play this record. Five stars.