Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: IMPERIUM; signed via AOR Heaven, hailing from Finnish grounds - performing Melodic Hard Rock, on their 2nd album entitled: "Beyond The Stars" (released 25/05/2018).

Since formation in 2012; the project in question have one album entitled: "Dreamhunter" in their discography so far, I am introduced to their 2nd record entitled: "Beyond The Stars". 10 tracks ranging at around 43:09... the quartet arrange an intricately designed formula of heavy-hitting Melodic Hard Rock developments. Starting off the record with the epic titular track; I already jam to a solid slab of distinguished distinctions of meticulous and melodious rhythms that manifest with a grandiose element of efficacious instrumentation and musicianship. This Mika Brushane Project is full of captivating creativity as the frontman Mika Brushane crafts on most instruments excluding guitars, performing with proficiency and detailed diligence - resulting for versatile stability.

Consisting of lead/backing vocalists Dennis Ward & Rob Lundgren; the duo consistently deliver elegant clean pipes, high-pitched exquisity and excellent performances. Markku Kuikka takes the lead vocals on "Crash And Burn," and it demonstrates diversely dynamic variety; distributing complex dexterity from duo guitarists Erkka Korhonen, Samuli Federley & Toni Huovinen for good measure - rapidly swifting with nimble subtleness. "Learning How To Fly" embellishes on feel good 80s synthesizers, attributing an aesthetic of organic substances with fluidly polished orchestration & catchy composing - fuelled with gritty domination. "Spread Your Wings" continues the battering yet blistering musical robustness, profusely submerging a crunchy injection of jumpy yet thunderously hardened hymns of adroitness.

"Back In '85" establishes the progressively technical ramifications of the band's flamboyancy, contrasting with bouncy efficaciousness - implementating jazzy-fused culminations in which are energized with electrical finesse. Additional backing vocalists Susanna Eronen & Sini Heinilä convey excelling contributions of more operatic singing, coverged with hammering salubriousness in "King Of The World". "All Alone" portrays the band's hooks of groovy effectiveness, while inventing uniquely unprecedented showcases of vehement skill. "World On Fire" has a more mid-tempo section, keeping one enjoyably entertained with the positive ambiency the band provides - expertly combined with the gripping atmosphere of enlightening and fulfilling presentations.

"Just A Dream" has an infectious pianist opening, while "Higher" overall concludes the record with an effective end. Bottom line, IMPERIUM is a great discovery and the band certainly outdone themselves with "Beyond The Stars" - check it out. <