The Pitch: Second perhaps only to Behemoth when it comes to Polish major label acts, Vader returns for more straight-forward, but stampeding, death and thrash metal.
What I Like: For a band that has been doing this for some time now, I am impressed with the level of energy Vader still exhibits. The music is fast, concise, and plenty aggressive. Piotr's instantly-recognizeable vocal delivery continues to be a draw, and while the hooks aren't always fantastic (see below), they still manage to get my motor running. The thrashy solos that pop up throughout the album are also a nice touch.
What I Don't Like: Even though it wasn't exactly AOTY material, I was floored by Tibi et Igni. I didn't want an exact rehash of that album, but I am saddened that The Empire abandons a lot of the more expansive qualities that made the previous LP feel like a step forward. Symphonic additions and other new developments have been stripped back for a release more in line with Necropolis. This could work if the riffs were strong enough, but sadly the usual tremolo madness often rings as generic.
The Verdict: While there are some fun songs to be had, The Empire feels like a step backward from Vader's more recent material. But if you were hoping for a more back-to-basics sound, you may find yourself listening to this one quite a bit.
Flight's Fav's: "Prayer to the God of War," "Tempest," "Feel My Pain"