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IMPERA
Pieces Of Eden

Escape Music (2013)
Rating: 7.5/10

Sweden’s Impera is the brainchild of one J.K. Impera (aka Johan Kihlberg), an extremely talented musical journeyman known for his work with John Corabi, Bruce Kulick and Vinnie Vincent, among others. J.K. is known for his drumming ability but with his band has injected new life into the melodic rock arena.

Pieces Of Eden is Impera’s second release, which follows on from 2012’s superb Legacy Of Life, and again features the talents of vocalist Matti Alfonzetti (Jagged Edge / Skintrade / Scott Gorham / Road To Ruin / Red White & Blues), guitarist Tommy Denander (Toto / Michael Jackson / Alice Cooper / Paul Stanley) and bassist Mats Vassfjord (John Corabi / Vinnie Vincent / Scaar / Grand Design). The result of this supergroup is a real treat for fans of heavy rock.

Those impressed by the recent opus from Impera’s UK label mates Lawless (Rock Savage) should clamp their ears around this modern take on harmonious metal and succumb to the breathtaking grooves of the likes of ‘Beast Within’, ‘These Chains’ and the glorious ‘All Alone’.

Pieces Of Eden is a stirring rock extravaganza and one which, although it may not appear in the trendy charts, is proof that this type of music is timeless and harkens back to the halcyon days of the late 80s when struttin’, traditional heavy rock was on everyone’s lips and quite literally in everyone’s hair too, but this is no cheesy time machine in search of hazy memory.

This is a ten-track slab that combines effortless harmony with heavier grooves. The sound is polished and the vocals soulful, and it’s the sort of bombastic pomp that should, by right, fill arenas.

‘Smalltown Blues’ is a straight up rocker played just for kicks, but at the other end of the spectrum we’re endeared by the smokin’ hot ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’, which acts out like a typical late 90s roller in the more simmering Whitesnake vein.

A cover of Paul Stanley’s ‘Goodbye’ (originally featured on the Kiss man’s 1978 self-titled solo album) has a bubblegum edge to its sprightly guitar sound, courtesy of a guest contribution from Lars Chriss (Lion’s Share), with solos from Bob Kulick, who also played on the original version. Meanwhile, album closer ‘Fire And The Flame’ is a slow burner that ascends with a darker guitar riff and hard hitting drum backbone.

It’s nigh on impossible to pick a weak track such is the tight musicianship and hearty vocals, as the likes of ‘Easy Come’ are lead into the ears with those energetic guitars and Alfonzetti’s strong delivery.

It’s not easy to play straight up rock nowadays and maintain an edge that keeps the audience excited and energised, but Pieces Of Eden is an accessible foray that boasts technical know-how to enable it to rise beyond the mediocrity of some by-numbers rock. This is a fine effort and should appeal to a wide audience, and even more so on the live stage.

Neil Arnold

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