From: 
STRUTTER MAGAZINE <gabor.fabian@planet.nl>	
Date: 
Mon, 26 Jul 2004 14:50:49 +0200	

To: 
perrisrecords@ev1.net, PerrisRecordsAR@aol.com	

EMPIRE ‘LEECHES’ (PERRIS RECORDS)
 
I have heard a lot of bands called EMPIRE in the past, but this new Perris Records signed act is unfamiliar for me. This EMPIRE is settled in Baltimore, Maryland, USA and they play a sort of melodic hard rock, even with some AOR/Rock influences (38 SPECIAL), but their singer is definitely a different case, because he has some sort sense of humor (a la DAVID LEE ROTH, ALICE COOPER etc.), which makes the general sound of the band different than most other bands. Still there are some nice hooks and sounds to be heard on this CD, and overall you can call it a good Melodic Hard rock album, yet with an own wicked approach sometimes. Highlights are “Leeches” (up-tempo melodic rocker), “American wet dream” (back to the 70s Rock, a la STARZ/PRISM), “Are you there for love” (a great semi melodic rock ballad), “The pressure” (very much like BLUE OYSTER CULT’s “Don’t fear the reaper”, with very good vocals actually) and “You’re right son” (another good semi-ballad). Concluded, a nice album after all, quite diverse sometimes and really different than the standard melodic hard rock stuff (think VAN HALEN meets BLUE OYSTER CULT), so check it out if you’re starting to become interested.
 
(Points: 7.9 out of 10)