Projects will come and go. Even if the artists will never leave the studio, there will still be something to be proud of. Similar to the Frontiers Records projects of various known artists forming together to conjure up with the next melodic thing, a thing of the same was done with EMPIRE back in the early 00s, yet it was solely created by guitarist Rolf Munkes, and that is just a reminder for you if you missed past albums reviews of the band. After the debut album, "Hypnotica", Munkes, currently the lead guitarist of CREMATORY, steadied the lineup with Tony Martin (ex-BLACK SABBATH) on vocals and Neil Murray (ex-WHITESNAKE) on bass. Passing by the sophomore "Trading Souls", the EMPIRE project moved forward into its third endeavor, "The Raven Ride", featuring by that time AXXIS and future RAGE drummer André Hilgers. The German Pride & Joy Music reissued this third installment of EMPIRE, which has been considered to be project's prime.

Usually I am not running with the pack when it comes to PR statements for the promotion of artists, on the other hand, when "The Raven Ride" is in question, I found it to be quite exhilarating, and that feeling came to pass from the first time I listened to it back in 2006 when it was originally released. Rolf Munkes might not be that lone high class shred guitarist that is obsessed with his own playing abilities, but an actual songwriter, which also cooperates well with his peers. Therefore, it was only a matter of time until an album such as "The Raven Ride" would appear.

There is a lot drama within the material, it hits right on the weak spots of the mind, taking control and garnering attention. The musical direction has been portraying a stellar combination of modern and vintage Hard Rock / AOR / Heavy Metal, looking through the eyes of the past into the heart of the future. Within the edgy, yet melodic, "The Raven Ride", the quality of this fine mixture of genres escalated into newfound heights, unveiling diversity in the songwriting, singing styles and a widespread of emotions that were deeply felt between the lines.

The self-titled track opened the gates as expected from an opener. Certainly one of the best Heavy Metal opening songs that an artist could wish for in an album. It sent me back to late 80s BLACK SABBATH, conveying a passionate chorus and an amazing instrumental performance. "Breathe" is where the accusation chair is set and ready for the faulty creation of mankind. A strong surge of Hard N' Heavy mastery, featuring a slow tempo heaviness colored by melody. With "The Devil Speaks, The Sinner Cries" it is back to BLACK SABBATH, to be more precise, the "Eternal Idol" era, Tony Martin providing his best vocal performance under a blackened cloud of doom. "What Would I do?" is the catchy emotive balladry, nicely creating an 80s driven feel or AOR, marking a contemplation between past and present. "Changing World" continues the AOR vibe but gradually heading towards a harder direction. The world might be evolving but so is the song. "I Can't Trust Myself" is letting the 80s Hard N' Heavy flow in, showing the versatile mind of its composer and another shade of its singer.

"The Raven Ride" is an album of sitting back and enjoying the show, it flows through the listener while clasping its claws around him/her for at least 45 minutes, depending if it is on repeat or not. Munkes still has one more to go before finishing the EMPIRE chapter, nonetheless, this here album left its mark.