WARLORD - The Holy Empire (SLIPCASE CD)

High Roller Records, double CD, slipcase, 13 bonus tracks(!), remastered and restored by Patrick W. Engel at Temple of Disharmony.

Formed in 1981 by Mark Zonder and William J. Tsamis, the legendary US Metal band Warlord gained recognition with their 1982 track "Lucifer's Hammer." Their debut mini-album, "Deliver Us" (1983), is considered an epic metal blueprint. "And The Cannons Of Destruction Have Begun..." followed in 1984, with a comeback album, "Rising Out Of The Ashes," in 2002. "The Holy Empire," their latest studio album (2013), recently released on vinyl, showcases growth with longer song formats. Despite comparisons to Lordian Guard, Zonder clarifies that these songs were originally Warlord demos, emphasizing the interpretative nature of Bill Tsamis's compositions. Core members Zonder and Tsamis maintain the Warlord sound, re-recording classics for higher quality. Singer Rick Anderson, discovered near the band's disbandment, worked well with Tsamis, who prioritizes exact vocal direction. Joacim Cans, known for "Rising," remains the ideal Warlord singer despite time constraints. Zonder praises Tsamis's clever lyricism, relating to broader themes than just Christianity. "70,000 Sorrows" is a fan favorite, but Zonder highlights the diversity of Warlord's catalog, showcasing varied moods and feels.