Empires Of Eden - Channelling The Infinite

Conceived and orchestrated by Australian shredding maestro Stu Marshall (ex-Dungeon), the album features some of the most influential voices in metal. Loaded with 12 tracks of brain-blasting power metal, Channelling the Infinite features killer production and powerful, hook-laden music that will appeal to any aficionado. Each song is carefully crafted specifically to suit the singer involved, and designed to best complement their range and style. From there, the vocalists have complete freedom to write the lyrics and melodies, providing a unique insight into what truly inspires these artists.

In addition to the spectacular vocals, face-melting lead breaks and riffs that could take on a nuclear arsenal. Empires of Eden once again showcases the incredible cover art by L.A based “Alex Ruiz”

Producer Stu Marshall says, “I am overwhelmed by the power and emotion of the vocal performances that these amazing singers have brought to the album. It’s pushed my playing to levels I never thought possible and has created the most well-rounded release I have ever been involved with. Writing for these incredible artists is a dream come true and the finished product has actually exceeded my expectations. Every song is filled with a passion and spirit that immediately grabs the listener; I am very excited for people to hear this album.”

Basically Marshall has brought together ‘THE’ finest collection of power metal vocalists currently plying their trade in the 21^st Century, and I’m mightily impressed at the muther fuckers ‘ little black phone book!’ Stu either has some excellent connections (most likely), or an even more excellent set of seedy negatives (sorry jpeg’s) on all vocalists concerned.

I used to think that I could sing many years ago, but after listening to likes of Bob ’Reach Out’ Rock I realised my career as the next rock god was never going to work. Rock has one of those unmistakeable wails that threaten your hearing and the foundations of your neighbourhood. When matched this with one of the finest metal guitarists around, your ears are in for a treat of the highest order (once the bleeding stops).

The biggest coup was getting UDO to play a part. Now I must admit, UDO’s never been my fave singer (so don’t shout or leave disparaging comments), but as the PR states, the songs have been crafted and tailored to each vocalist and ‘Hammer Down’ fits UDO like a leather studded metal glove!

Sean Peck (Cage) appears the most, on ‘Channelling The Infinite’, and the bonus track ‘Born A King’, and brings together a blend of Helloween and Onslaught at their finest. Italian power pocket rocket Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge of Forever / Edens Curse and many other projects) appears on ‘Lions For Lambs’ and has proven over the past 12 months to be one of the hardest working and finest vocalists in rock – and he can do it live! Carlos Zema on ‘Cyborg’ has such a range to his vocals, at first I thought it was a duet! That’s sick dude! Vo Simpson tears the place up on ‘As Flames Scorch The Ground’ and is aptly named to match his range and Marshalls frenetic speed.

The last official track is the ‘Stars’ version of ‘Hammer Down’ with vocals being shared by UDO, Rob Rock, Sean Peck, Carlos Zema, Vo Simpson, Ronny Munroe, and is a great way to finish of proceedings.

To be honest with ya, I can’t find fault with any of the tracks on offer here, as all the vocalists brought in, excel to the max and it’s unfair to miss any of them out. Grats to all concerned.

A special mention for Marshall also, as he plays throughout as if his and his family’s life depends upon it. It’s a shred-fest of the highest order. I loved ‘Reborn In Fire’ and Marshall has only gone and bloody topped it.

My only regret is that there’s more chance of Elton John going straight than me getting to see this band of many vocalists in action. C’mon Stu, you can do it!

SCORE : 95/100

line-up:

• Udo Dirkschneider (Accept, U.D.O.)
• Rob Rock (Impellitteri, Driver)
• Steve Grimmett (Grim Reaper, Lionsheart)
• Mike Dimeo (Masterplan / Riot)
• Sean Peck (Cage),
• Carlos Zema (Outworld, Vougan)
• Ronny Munroe (TSO, Metal Church)
• Alessandro Del Vecchio (Edge of Forever)
• Danny Cecati (Eyefear, Pegazus)
• Louie Gorgievski (Crimsonfire)
• Vo Simpson.(Darker Half)

·         Tracklist:

·         1. Cry Out (feat. Rob Rock)

·         2. Hammer down (feat. UDO)

·         3. This Time (feat. Steve Grimmett)

·         4. Channelling the Infinite (feat. Sean Peck)

·         5. Lions For Lambs (feat. Alessandro Del Vecchio)

·         6. Cyborg (feat. Carlos Zema)

·         7. World on Fire (feat. Louie Gorgievski)

·         8. Your eyes (feat. Mike Dimeo)

·         9. Born a king (feat. Danny Cecati)

·         10. As flames scorch the ground (feat. Vo Simpson)

·         11. White wings (feat. Ronny Munroe)

·         12. Hammer down All star version (Bonus) (feat. UDO, Rob Rock, Sean Peck, Carlos Zema, Vo Simpson, Ronny Munroe)

·         13. Born a King (bonus) (feat. Sean Peck)