THE LEGACY

EMPYRIA are a Prog-Metal band from British Columbia, Canada. I must admit that I had never heard of these guys until I received a message from M@X that I had won a free cd from them.They were kind enough to send me their latest cd plus this EP and a cassette of another album. Generous guys. I liked this EP right from the first listen.They reminded me of some of those eighties Metal bands I was so into.The vocals are similar to Bon Scott's singing and the music really rocks with crunchy guitars, prominant bass and impressive drum work. Lots of mood shifts in these songs as well, they certainly belong on this site.This was recorded in July / August of 1999 and released the following year on Nightmare Records.

The album's focus is the almost 25 minute "Darkness Suite" i'll call it. All these songs blend into one another and it's quite the ride.They then cover "Synchronicity II" by THE POLICE and end the EP with their own acoustic track. I'll concentrate on the suite but I do love that POLICE track but must admit the original is far better.

"Solace (Intro)" opens with nature sounds and acoustic guitar. "The Lighter Side Of Darkness (Part I)" contiues in the mellow vein but it's fuller with bass and drums being added. It turns heavy before a minute though and the vocals join in. Great sound ! The mood changes from calm to intense throughout. Nice bass before 3 1/2 minutes and I like the guitar solo late. "The Grand Illusion (Another Side Of Darkness-Part II)" has this heavy guitar and rhythm as vocals join in. It settles back before 2 minutes but not for long. It's almost doom-like 5 minutes in. "Silent Rage (The Darkness Still Remains-Part III)" is laid back with an underlying power. It's picking up before 1 1/2 minutes then a calm arrives a minute later as vocals stop. He's back before 3 1/2 minutes then here we go ! The power is unleashed. "The Legacy (Of Final Darkness-Part IV)" has a great sounding guitar led start then it calms down as vocals arrive. It's picking back up. Some good crunchy guitar here. A tranquil calm settles in before 2 1/2 minutes but not for long. Nature sounds end the song and suite as it ends just as it began. What a ride !

A solid 4 stars.This is my kind of music.