Empires of Eden
Encyclopedia
Empires of Eden is a collaborative power metal
recording project conceived and overseen by guitarist Stu Marshall
, celebrated for his work with Dungeon
and Paindivision
. Orchestrated from Sydney
, Australia
, Empires of Eden is characterized by complex musical arrangements and the involvement of guest musicians from all around the world.
's 2004 album One Step Beyond. The album was one of the band's most celebrated releases and remains Dungeon's flagship album released in the US. Inspired by the synergistic production of the album, and its warm reception, Marshall began evaluating the viability of a framework for an international recording project in the tradition of Ayreon
or Avantasia
.
According to Marshall, the project title was inspired by the duality of yearning for the unattainable and finding a way to achieve it regardless:
While the majority of soloing on the album was penned by Marshall, there are also standout performances by guests including 'Lord' Tim Grose
and Mark Furtner (Lord
), Ben Thomas (Paindivision) Richie Hausberger (Project Doomsday), Chris Porcianko Vanishing Point (band)
, Yoshiyasu Maruyama (Argument Soul) and Akira Takada (Cerberus).
, Michael Vescera
, Steve Grimmett
and Sean Peck as well as returning guest vocalists.
The album is notable for 30-piece orchestral arrangements and an uncompromising approach to production, reminiscent of concept recordings such as Operation: Mindcrime
by Queensrÿche
and symphonic metal
acts such as Therion
and Within Temptation
that include a strong component of classical orchestration.
In 2011 the band signed a management deal with Rock N Growl Records
.
Reborn in Fire (2010)
Empires of Eden is a collaborative power metal
recording project conceived and overseen by guitarist Stu Marshall
, celebrated for his work with Dungeon
and Paindivision
. Orchestrated from Sydney
, Australia
, Empires of Eden is characterized by complex musical arrangements and the involvement of guest musicians from all around the world.
's 2004 album One Step Beyond. The album was one of the band's most celebrated releases and remains Dungeon's flagship album released in the US. Inspired by the synergistic production of the album, and its warm reception, Marshall began evaluating the viability of a framework for an international recording project in the tradition of Ayreon
or Avantasia
.
According to Marshall, the project title was inspired by the duality of yearning for the unattainable and finding a way to achieve it regardless:
While the majority of soloing on the album was penned by Marshall, there are also standout performances by guests including 'Lord' Tim Grose
and Mark Furtner (Lord
), Ben Thomas (Paindivision) Richie Hausberger (Project Doomsday), Chris Porcianko Vanishing Point (band)
, Yoshiyasu Maruyama (Argument Soul) and Akira Takada (Cerberus).
, Michael Vescera
, Steve Grimmett
and Sean Peck as well as returning guest vocalists.
The album is notable for 30-piece orchestral arrangements and an uncompromising approach to production, reminiscent of concept recordings such as Operation: Mindcrime
by Queensrÿche
and symphonic metal
acts such as Therion
and Within Temptation
that include a strong component of classical orchestration.
In 2011 the band signed a management deal with Rock N Growl Records
.
Reborn in Fire (2010)
Empires of Eden is a collaborative power metal
recording project conceived and overseen by guitarist Stu Marshall
, celebrated for his work with Dungeon
and Paindivision
. Orchestrated from Sydney
, Australia
, Empires of Eden is characterized by complex musical arrangements and the involvement of guest musicians from all around the world.
's 2004 album One Step Beyond. The album was one of the band's most celebrated releases and remains Dungeon's flagship album released in the US. Inspired by the synergistic production of the album, and its warm reception, Marshall began evaluating the viability of a framework for an international recording project in the tradition of Ayreon
or Avantasia
.
According to Marshall, the project title was inspired by the duality of yearning for the unattainable and finding a way to achieve it regardless:
While the majority of soloing on the album was penned by Marshall, there are also standout performances by guests including 'Lord' Tim Grose
and Mark Furtner (Lord
), Ben Thomas (Paindivision) Richie Hausberger (Project Doomsday), Chris Porcianko Vanishing Point (band)
, Yoshiyasu Maruyama (Argument Soul) and Akira Takada (Cerberus).
, Michael Vescera
, Steve Grimmett
and Sean Peck as well as returning guest vocalists.
The album is notable for 30-piece orchestral arrangements and an uncompromising approach to production, reminiscent of concept recordings such as Operation: Mindcrime
by Queensrÿche
and symphonic metal
acts such as Therion
and Within Temptation
that include a strong component of classical orchestration.
In 2011 the band signed a management deal with Rock N Growl Records
.
Reborn in Fire (2010)
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
recording project conceived and overseen by guitarist Stu Marshall
Stu Marshall
Stu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
, celebrated for his work with Dungeon
Dungeon (band)
Dungeon was a melodic power metal/thrash metal band based in Sydney, Australia, considered by some sources as one of Australia's leading metal bands...
and Paindivision
Paindivision
Paindivision is an Australian heavy metal band, formed in late 2005 by guitarist Stu Marshall while he was concurrently a member of the Sydney band Dungeon. Paindivision has released two albums and toured extensively in Australia and Japan and opened for a range of touring acts including Armored...
. Orchestrated from Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, Empires of Eden is characterized by complex musical arrangements and the involvement of guest musicians from all around the world.
Origins and proof of concept (2007–2008)
Paving the way for Empires of Eden's collaborative ethos, Marshall was heavily involved in the writing of DungeonDungeon (band)
Dungeon was a melodic power metal/thrash metal band based in Sydney, Australia, considered by some sources as one of Australia's leading metal bands...
's 2004 album One Step Beyond. The album was one of the band's most celebrated releases and remains Dungeon's flagship album released in the US. Inspired by the synergistic production of the album, and its warm reception, Marshall began evaluating the viability of a framework for an international recording project in the tradition of Ayreon
Ayreon
Ayreon is a project by Dutch composer and musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen.Ayreon's musical style derives mostly from heavy metal and progressive rock, but combines them with genres like folk, classical and electronica...
or Avantasia
Avantasia
Avantasia is a heavy metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the band Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" and describes "a world beyond human imagination"...
.
According to Marshall, the project title was inspired by the duality of yearning for the unattainable and finding a way to achieve it regardless:
“In the Western world, the 21st century’s dreams and temptations mean we are continually walking around in a state of believing the unattainable is just around the corner. We live in a digitalized pseudo-Eden, a worldwide collection of empires driven by greed posing as free will. At the same time, the name is a reference to the people who participate in this project. Thanks to our passion for music, we have built an empire of our own where artistic integrity represents a pure garden in which the musicians are free to follow their inspiration without being constrained by day-to-day issues such as the quest for the dollar.”
Songs of War and Vengeance (2009)
Marshall approached a number of vocalists and other musicians with the premise that they were to be responsible for their own lyrics and melodies within a composition tailored to their typical style and range. This targeted approach yielded a highly non-standard power metal album incorporating features such as an orchestral bonus track and spoken-word components, with Marshall’s compositional style maintaining a sense of consistency throughout. The album was recorded at Marshall’s Frontiers Studio in Sydney and featured the talents of Louie Gorgievski (Crimsonfire), Mike Zoias (Transcending Mortality) and Chris Ninni (Sydney session vocalist) among others.While the majority of soloing on the album was penned by Marshall, there are also standout performances by guests including 'Lord' Tim Grose
Lord Tim
Lord Tim is the professional name of Australian musician Tim Ian Grose. Based in Wollongong, New South Wales, he is best known as the founder of the heavy metal band Dungeon. The band started in 1989, released several albums, and was considered one of the leading metal bands in Australia...
and Mark Furtner (Lord
Lord
Lord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
), Ben Thomas (Paindivision) Richie Hausberger (Project Doomsday), Chris Porcianko Vanishing Point (band)
Vanishing Point (band)
Vanishing Point are an Australian power/progressive metal band from Melbourne. The band incorporates symphonic elements into their sound through a prominent keyboard role in their music...
, Yoshiyasu Maruyama (Argument Soul) and Akira Takada (Cerberus).
Reborn in Fire (2010)
With considerable critical acclaim and industry interest, the second release from Empires of Eden was a more ambitious vehicle. Marshall approached singers who had been major influences on his musical style, and the resulting compositions were specifically nuanced to highlight each contributor's strengths. Upon release, Reborn in Fire garnered consistently high (9+/10) ratings from music critics worldwide and included the work of Zak StevensZachary Stevens
Zachary "Zak" Stevens , is best known as the former lead vocalist of the band Savatage. He is also a drummer and has a degree in psychology but is not, as is often reported, a licensed, practicing psychologist....
, Michael Vescera
Michael Vescera
Michael Vescera is an American heavy metal singer for various bands and projects like Loudness, Obsession...
, Steve Grimmett
Steve Grimmett
Steve Grimmett is a heavy metal vocalist who began his career in the era of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. His original band was the short-lived Medusa, before he became known as the lead vocalist for Grim Reaper...
and Sean Peck as well as returning guest vocalists.
The album is notable for 30-piece orchestral arrangements and an uncompromising approach to production, reminiscent of concept recordings such as Operation: Mindcrime
Operation: Mindcrime
Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album by American progressive metal band Queensrÿche. Released on May 3, 1988, it is the band's third full-length album. A rock opera, its story follows a man who becomes disillusioned with the society of the time and reluctantly becomes involved with a...
by Queensrÿche
Queensrÿche
thumb|250px|right|Queensrÿche's classic line-up performing at the [[Sauna Open Air Metal Festival]] 2011 in [[Tampere]], [[Finland]]. Left to right: bass Eddie Jackson, lead vocals Geoff Tate, drums Scott Rockenfield and guitars Michael Wilton....
and symphonic metal
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
acts such as Therion
Therion
Therion, Greek for "wild animal" or "beast" , may refer to:* Therion, the name the Greeks gave to the constellation Lupus * Therion , the Swedish symphonic metal band* Therion , a god in Thelema, consort of Babalon...
and Within Temptation
Within Temptation
Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic gothic metal/rock band founded in 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. Their music is described as symphonic metal, although their earlier material, such as Enter, was gothic metal. In an interview, Den Adel said they fell into a...
that include a strong component of classical orchestration.
In 2011 the band signed a management deal with Rock N Growl Records
Rock N Growl Records
Rock N Growl Records is a record label founded in 2009 by Axel Wiesenauer based in Berglen, Germany. They focus on the rock and metal genre. Distributor for CD's is Cargo Records, England and digital distribution by iMusicianDigital, Switzerland...
.
Members
Songs of War and Vengeance (2009)- Stu MarshallStu MarshallStu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
– guitar, bass, orchestral arrangement, drum programming, engineering - Louie Gorgievski – vocals
- Chris Ninni – vocals
- Mike Zoias – vocals
- Dan Quinlan – co-engineering, production
- 'Lord' Tim GroseLord TimLord Tim is the professional name of Australian musician Tim Ian Grose. Based in Wollongong, New South Wales, he is best known as the founder of the heavy metal band Dungeon. The band started in 1989, released several albums, and was considered one of the leading metal bands in Australia...
– guest solo appearance (guitar) - Mark Furtner – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Akira Takada – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Gun ArvidssenGun Arvidssen-Purgatory:Purgatory is a 2009 novel by Gun Arvidssen, structured as a dystopian mystery in three acts. The novel has strong undertones of surrealism and speculative fiction.-Plot summary:...
– spoken word - Yoshiyasu Maruyama – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Richie Hausberger – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Ben Thomas – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Chris Porcianko – guest solo appearance (guitar)
Reborn in Fire (2010)
- Stu MarshallStu MarshallStu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
– guitar, bass, orchestral arrangement, drum programming, engineering - Louie Gorgievski – vocals
- Chris Ninni – vocals
- Mike Zoias – vocals
- Dan Quinlan – co-engineering, production
- Zak StevensZachary StevensZachary "Zak" Stevens , is best known as the former lead vocalist of the band Savatage. He is also a drummer and has a degree in psychology but is not, as is often reported, a licensed, practicing psychologist....
– vocals - Michael VesceraMichael VesceraMichael Vescera is an American heavy metal singer for various bands and projects like Loudness, Obsession...
– vocals - Steve GrimmettSteve GrimmettSteve Grimmett is a heavy metal vocalist who began his career in the era of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. His original band was the short-lived Medusa, before he became known as the lead vocalist for Grim Reaper...
– vocals - Sean Peck – vocals
- Carlos Zema – vocals
- Jason "Jasix" Manewell – drums
- Bobby Williamson – guest solo appearance (keyboard)
Discography
- Songs of War and Vengeance (2009)
- Reborn in Fire (2010)
Empires of Eden is a collaborative power metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
recording project conceived and overseen by guitarist Stu Marshall
Stu Marshall
Stu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
, celebrated for his work with Dungeon
Dungeon (band)
Dungeon was a melodic power metal/thrash metal band based in Sydney, Australia, considered by some sources as one of Australia's leading metal bands...
and Paindivision
Paindivision
Paindivision is an Australian heavy metal band, formed in late 2005 by guitarist Stu Marshall while he was concurrently a member of the Sydney band Dungeon. Paindivision has released two albums and toured extensively in Australia and Japan and opened for a range of touring acts including Armored...
. Orchestrated from Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, Empires of Eden is characterized by complex musical arrangements and the involvement of guest musicians from all around the world.
Origins and proof of concept (2007–2008)
Paving the way for Empires of Eden's collaborative ethos, Marshall was heavily involved in the writing of DungeonDungeon (band)
Dungeon was a melodic power metal/thrash metal band based in Sydney, Australia, considered by some sources as one of Australia's leading metal bands...
's 2004 album One Step Beyond. The album was one of the band's most celebrated releases and remains Dungeon's flagship album released in the US. Inspired by the synergistic production of the album, and its warm reception, Marshall began evaluating the viability of a framework for an international recording project in the tradition of Ayreon
Ayreon
Ayreon is a project by Dutch composer and musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen.Ayreon's musical style derives mostly from heavy metal and progressive rock, but combines them with genres like folk, classical and electronica...
or Avantasia
Avantasia
Avantasia is a heavy metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the band Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" and describes "a world beyond human imagination"...
.
According to Marshall, the project title was inspired by the duality of yearning for the unattainable and finding a way to achieve it regardless:
“In the Western world, the 21st century’s dreams and temptations mean we are continually walking around in a state of believing the unattainable is just around the corner. We live in a digitalized pseudo-Eden, a worldwide collection of empires driven by greed posing as free will. At the same time, the name is a reference to the people who participate in this project. Thanks to our passion for music, we have built an empire of our own where artistic integrity represents a pure garden in which the musicians are free to follow their inspiration without being constrained by day-to-day issues such as the quest for the dollar.”
Songs of War and Vengeance (2009)
Marshall approached a number of vocalists and other musicians with the premise that they were to be responsible for their own lyrics and melodies within a composition tailored to their typical style and range. This targeted approach yielded a highly non-standard power metal album incorporating features such as an orchestral bonus track and spoken-word components, with Marshall’s compositional style maintaining a sense of consistency throughout. The album was recorded at Marshall’s Frontiers Studio in Sydney and featured the talents of Louie Gorgievski (Crimsonfire), Mike Zoias (Transcending Mortality) and Chris Ninni (Sydney session vocalist) among others.While the majority of soloing on the album was penned by Marshall, there are also standout performances by guests including 'Lord' Tim Grose
Lord Tim
Lord Tim is the professional name of Australian musician Tim Ian Grose. Based in Wollongong, New South Wales, he is best known as the founder of the heavy metal band Dungeon. The band started in 1989, released several albums, and was considered one of the leading metal bands in Australia...
and Mark Furtner (Lord
Lord
Lord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
), Ben Thomas (Paindivision) Richie Hausberger (Project Doomsday), Chris Porcianko Vanishing Point (band)
Vanishing Point (band)
Vanishing Point are an Australian power/progressive metal band from Melbourne. The band incorporates symphonic elements into their sound through a prominent keyboard role in their music...
, Yoshiyasu Maruyama (Argument Soul) and Akira Takada (Cerberus).
Reborn in Fire (2010)
With considerable critical acclaim and industry interest, the second release from Empires of Eden was a more ambitious vehicle. Marshall approached singers who had been major influences on his musical style, and the resulting compositions were specifically nuanced to highlight each contributor's strengths. Upon release, Reborn in Fire garnered consistently high (9+/10) ratings from music critics worldwide and included the work of Zak StevensZachary Stevens
Zachary "Zak" Stevens , is best known as the former lead vocalist of the band Savatage. He is also a drummer and has a degree in psychology but is not, as is often reported, a licensed, practicing psychologist....
, Michael Vescera
Michael Vescera
Michael Vescera is an American heavy metal singer for various bands and projects like Loudness, Obsession...
, Steve Grimmett
Steve Grimmett
Steve Grimmett is a heavy metal vocalist who began his career in the era of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. His original band was the short-lived Medusa, before he became known as the lead vocalist for Grim Reaper...
and Sean Peck as well as returning guest vocalists.
The album is notable for 30-piece orchestral arrangements and an uncompromising approach to production, reminiscent of concept recordings such as Operation: Mindcrime
Operation: Mindcrime
Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album by American progressive metal band Queensrÿche. Released on May 3, 1988, it is the band's third full-length album. A rock opera, its story follows a man who becomes disillusioned with the society of the time and reluctantly becomes involved with a...
by Queensrÿche
Queensrÿche
thumb|250px|right|Queensrÿche's classic line-up performing at the [[Sauna Open Air Metal Festival]] 2011 in [[Tampere]], [[Finland]]. Left to right: bass Eddie Jackson, lead vocals Geoff Tate, drums Scott Rockenfield and guitars Michael Wilton....
and symphonic metal
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
acts such as Therion
Therion
Therion, Greek for "wild animal" or "beast" , may refer to:* Therion, the name the Greeks gave to the constellation Lupus * Therion , the Swedish symphonic metal band* Therion , a god in Thelema, consort of Babalon...
and Within Temptation
Within Temptation
Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic gothic metal/rock band founded in 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. Their music is described as symphonic metal, although their earlier material, such as Enter, was gothic metal. In an interview, Den Adel said they fell into a...
that include a strong component of classical orchestration.
In 2011 the band signed a management deal with Rock N Growl Records
Rock N Growl Records
Rock N Growl Records is a record label founded in 2009 by Axel Wiesenauer based in Berglen, Germany. They focus on the rock and metal genre. Distributor for CD's is Cargo Records, England and digital distribution by iMusicianDigital, Switzerland...
.
Members
Songs of War and Vengeance (2009)- Stu MarshallStu MarshallStu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
– guitar, bass, orchestral arrangement, drum programming, engineering - Louie Gorgievski – vocals
- Chris Ninni – vocals
- Mike Zoias – vocals
- Dan Quinlan – co-engineering, production
- 'Lord' Tim GroseLord TimLord Tim is the professional name of Australian musician Tim Ian Grose. Based in Wollongong, New South Wales, he is best known as the founder of the heavy metal band Dungeon. The band started in 1989, released several albums, and was considered one of the leading metal bands in Australia...
– guest solo appearance (guitar) - Mark Furtner – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Akira Takada – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Gun ArvidssenGun Arvidssen-Purgatory:Purgatory is a 2009 novel by Gun Arvidssen, structured as a dystopian mystery in three acts. The novel has strong undertones of surrealism and speculative fiction.-Plot summary:...
– spoken word - Yoshiyasu Maruyama – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Richie Hausberger – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Ben Thomas – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Chris Porcianko – guest solo appearance (guitar)
Reborn in Fire (2010)
- Stu MarshallStu MarshallStu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
– guitar, bass, orchestral arrangement, drum programming, engineering - Louie Gorgievski – vocals
- Chris Ninni – vocals
- Mike Zoias – vocals
- Dan Quinlan – co-engineering, production
- Zak StevensZachary StevensZachary "Zak" Stevens , is best known as the former lead vocalist of the band Savatage. He is also a drummer and has a degree in psychology but is not, as is often reported, a licensed, practicing psychologist....
– vocals - Michael VesceraMichael VesceraMichael Vescera is an American heavy metal singer for various bands and projects like Loudness, Obsession...
– vocals - Steve GrimmettSteve GrimmettSteve Grimmett is a heavy metal vocalist who began his career in the era of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. His original band was the short-lived Medusa, before he became known as the lead vocalist for Grim Reaper...
– vocals - Sean Peck – vocals
- Carlos Zema – vocals
- Jason "Jasix" Manewell – drums
- Bobby Williamson – guest solo appearance (keyboard)
Discography
- Songs of War and Vengeance (2009)
- Reborn in Fire (2010)
Empires of Eden is a collaborative power metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
recording project conceived and overseen by guitarist Stu Marshall
Stu Marshall
Stu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
, celebrated for his work with Dungeon
Dungeon (band)
Dungeon was a melodic power metal/thrash metal band based in Sydney, Australia, considered by some sources as one of Australia's leading metal bands...
and Paindivision
Paindivision
Paindivision is an Australian heavy metal band, formed in late 2005 by guitarist Stu Marshall while he was concurrently a member of the Sydney band Dungeon. Paindivision has released two albums and toured extensively in Australia and Japan and opened for a range of touring acts including Armored...
. Orchestrated from Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, Empires of Eden is characterized by complex musical arrangements and the involvement of guest musicians from all around the world.
Origins and proof of concept (2007–2008)
Paving the way for Empires of Eden's collaborative ethos, Marshall was heavily involved in the writing of DungeonDungeon (band)
Dungeon was a melodic power metal/thrash metal band based in Sydney, Australia, considered by some sources as one of Australia's leading metal bands...
's 2004 album One Step Beyond. The album was one of the band's most celebrated releases and remains Dungeon's flagship album released in the US. Inspired by the synergistic production of the album, and its warm reception, Marshall began evaluating the viability of a framework for an international recording project in the tradition of Ayreon
Ayreon
Ayreon is a project by Dutch composer and musician Arjen Anthony Lucassen.Ayreon's musical style derives mostly from heavy metal and progressive rock, but combines them with genres like folk, classical and electronica...
or Avantasia
Avantasia
Avantasia is a heavy metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the band Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" and describes "a world beyond human imagination"...
.
According to Marshall, the project title was inspired by the duality of yearning for the unattainable and finding a way to achieve it regardless:
“In the Western world, the 21st century’s dreams and temptations mean we are continually walking around in a state of believing the unattainable is just around the corner. We live in a digitalized pseudo-Eden, a worldwide collection of empires driven by greed posing as free will. At the same time, the name is a reference to the people who participate in this project. Thanks to our passion for music, we have built an empire of our own where artistic integrity represents a pure garden in which the musicians are free to follow their inspiration without being constrained by day-to-day issues such as the quest for the dollar.”
Songs of War and Vengeance (2009)
Marshall approached a number of vocalists and other musicians with the premise that they were to be responsible for their own lyrics and melodies within a composition tailored to their typical style and range. This targeted approach yielded a highly non-standard power metal album incorporating features such as an orchestral bonus track and spoken-word components, with Marshall’s compositional style maintaining a sense of consistency throughout. The album was recorded at Marshall’s Frontiers Studio in Sydney and featured the talents of Louie Gorgievski (Crimsonfire), Mike Zoias (Transcending Mortality) and Chris Ninni (Sydney session vocalist) among others.While the majority of soloing on the album was penned by Marshall, there are also standout performances by guests including 'Lord' Tim Grose
Lord Tim
Lord Tim is the professional name of Australian musician Tim Ian Grose. Based in Wollongong, New South Wales, he is best known as the founder of the heavy metal band Dungeon. The band started in 1989, released several albums, and was considered one of the leading metal bands in Australia...
and Mark Furtner (Lord
Lord
Lord is a title with various meanings. It can denote a prince or a feudal superior . The title today is mostly used in connection with the peerage of the United Kingdom or its predecessor countries, although some users of the title do not themselves hold peerages, and use it 'by courtesy'...
), Ben Thomas (Paindivision) Richie Hausberger (Project Doomsday), Chris Porcianko Vanishing Point (band)
Vanishing Point (band)
Vanishing Point are an Australian power/progressive metal band from Melbourne. The band incorporates symphonic elements into their sound through a prominent keyboard role in their music...
, Yoshiyasu Maruyama (Argument Soul) and Akira Takada (Cerberus).
Reborn in Fire (2010)
With considerable critical acclaim and industry interest, the second release from Empires of Eden was a more ambitious vehicle. Marshall approached singers who had been major influences on his musical style, and the resulting compositions were specifically nuanced to highlight each contributor's strengths. Upon release, Reborn in Fire garnered consistently high (9+/10) ratings from music critics worldwide and included the work of Zak StevensZachary Stevens
Zachary "Zak" Stevens , is best known as the former lead vocalist of the band Savatage. He is also a drummer and has a degree in psychology but is not, as is often reported, a licensed, practicing psychologist....
, Michael Vescera
Michael Vescera
Michael Vescera is an American heavy metal singer for various bands and projects like Loudness, Obsession...
, Steve Grimmett
Steve Grimmett
Steve Grimmett is a heavy metal vocalist who began his career in the era of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. His original band was the short-lived Medusa, before he became known as the lead vocalist for Grim Reaper...
and Sean Peck as well as returning guest vocalists.
The album is notable for 30-piece orchestral arrangements and an uncompromising approach to production, reminiscent of concept recordings such as Operation: Mindcrime
Operation: Mindcrime
Operation: Mindcrime is a concept album by American progressive metal band Queensrÿche. Released on May 3, 1988, it is the band's third full-length album. A rock opera, its story follows a man who becomes disillusioned with the society of the time and reluctantly becomes involved with a...
by Queensrÿche
Queensrÿche
thumb|250px|right|Queensrÿche's classic line-up performing at the [[Sauna Open Air Metal Festival]] 2011 in [[Tampere]], [[Finland]]. Left to right: bass Eddie Jackson, lead vocals Geoff Tate, drums Scott Rockenfield and guitars Michael Wilton....
and symphonic metal
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
acts such as Therion
Therion
Therion, Greek for "wild animal" or "beast" , may refer to:* Therion, the name the Greeks gave to the constellation Lupus * Therion , the Swedish symphonic metal band* Therion , a god in Thelema, consort of Babalon...
and Within Temptation
Within Temptation
Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic gothic metal/rock band founded in 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt. Their music is described as symphonic metal, although their earlier material, such as Enter, was gothic metal. In an interview, Den Adel said they fell into a...
that include a strong component of classical orchestration.
In 2011 the band signed a management deal with Rock N Growl Records
Rock N Growl Records
Rock N Growl Records is a record label founded in 2009 by Axel Wiesenauer based in Berglen, Germany. They focus on the rock and metal genre. Distributor for CD's is Cargo Records, England and digital distribution by iMusicianDigital, Switzerland...
.
Members
Songs of War and Vengeance (2009)- Stu MarshallStu MarshallStu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
– guitar, bass, orchestral arrangement, drum programming, engineering - Louie Gorgievski – vocals
- Chris Ninni – vocals
- Mike Zoias – vocals
- Dan Quinlan – co-engineering, production
- 'Lord' Tim GroseLord TimLord Tim is the professional name of Australian musician Tim Ian Grose. Based in Wollongong, New South Wales, he is best known as the founder of the heavy metal band Dungeon. The band started in 1989, released several albums, and was considered one of the leading metal bands in Australia...
– guest solo appearance (guitar) - Mark Furtner – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Akira Takada – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Gun ArvidssenGun Arvidssen-Purgatory:Purgatory is a 2009 novel by Gun Arvidssen, structured as a dystopian mystery in three acts. The novel has strong undertones of surrealism and speculative fiction.-Plot summary:...
– spoken word - Yoshiyasu Maruyama – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Richie Hausberger – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Ben Thomas – guest solo appearance (guitar)
- Chris Porcianko – guest solo appearance (guitar)
Reborn in Fire (2010)
- Stu MarshallStu MarshallStu Marshall is a guitarist from Sydney, Australia. He is currently a member of Sydney heavy metal band Empires of Eden and Paindivision.Marshall is best known as a member of the Sydney metal band Dungeon with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe and...
– guitar, bass, orchestral arrangement, drum programming, engineering - Louie Gorgievski – vocals
- Chris Ninni – vocals
- Mike Zoias – vocals
- Dan Quinlan – co-engineering, production
- Zak StevensZachary StevensZachary "Zak" Stevens , is best known as the former lead vocalist of the band Savatage. He is also a drummer and has a degree in psychology but is not, as is often reported, a licensed, practicing psychologist....
– vocals - Michael VesceraMichael VesceraMichael Vescera is an American heavy metal singer for various bands and projects like Loudness, Obsession...
– vocals - Steve GrimmettSteve GrimmettSteve Grimmett is a heavy metal vocalist who began his career in the era of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. His original band was the short-lived Medusa, before he became known as the lead vocalist for Grim Reaper...
– vocals - Sean Peck – vocals
- Carlos Zema – vocals
- Jason "Jasix" Manewell – drums
- Bobby Williamson – guest solo appearance (keyboard)
External links
- Empires of Eden at MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
- www.empiresofeden.com