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Review: French Review
ATKINS MAY PROJECT: EMPIRE OF DESTRUCTION (2014)ALBUM - GONZO MULTIMEDIA - HEAVY METAL |
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Review: SoT Review
Atkins May Project: Empire of Destruction
My Score:




Empire Of Destruction is the third traditional metal offering from original Judas Priest singer Al Atkins and guitar supremo Paul May, and thankfully it continues on from where the excellent Valley Of Shadows left off a couple of years back. May is a fine guitarist, possessing the ability to hammer out rampaging riffs and searing solos, as his vocal mate gargles grittily (but tunefully) to great effect; resulting in an album brimming with the sort of metal anthems that have you punching the air. Yes, it's a simple formula, yet plenty of bands don't hit this hard while following the very same "metal rules". Take "Dog Eat Dog" and its pounding beat and call and response vocal-guitar trade off. You've heard it plenty of times before but there's little denying that done this well the results are still amazingly captivating. Priest (natch), Maiden and Saxon can all be seen as touching points (if anyone deserves to be allowed to relive these days, then surely it's Atkins? After all he was there in the first place), however in places the more pompous excursions of Magnum also comes to mind, offering a welcome change of pace to the likes of "Whisper To The Wind", or lengthy, ambitious "Here Comes The Rain".
However, at the risk of sounding negative, three albums in, is it possibly time for Atkins May Project to become Atkins May Band? For while, as with previous AMP albums, the drum programming does verge on excellent, the lack of a live drummer sucks just a little of the life out of the pacier selections presented. Imagine the likes of "The Midas Touch" and "World At War" with say, Vinny Appice laying down the law and the results could be spectacular indeed. The other negative shows up in May's production, which seems to lack the absolute clarity of his previous work, although not in a way which saps too much of the ferocity from an otherwise excellent piece of work.
Interestingly the bonus track "End Of The Earth" is written and partly performed by artist Rodney Matthews and it has to said that the slightly Proggier feel to the track works really well, while the (slightly renamed) Thin Lizzy cover "R U Ready" also gets a convincing reworking.
As an added bonus, the first 1000 copies of the CD comes with a bonus DVD, featuring four music videos from across the Atkins May catalogue, an interesting and surprisingly effective acoustic track and an interview with the two protagonists and a separate piece with Matthews regarding his Atkins May album art. It's a nice, if watch only once, addition, although some detail in the booklet of what the DVD contains, would have been helpful.
Through their sound and even the excellent album art (line up all three Rodney Matthews adorned AMP albums and they look superb), Atkins and May appear to be harking back to a particular time and place with their vintage take on the metal genre, but when they do it so well, who's complaining? At the risk of simply echoing my esteemed colleague's thoughts above, hopefully the next logical step is for Atkins May Project to form a full band and put in some stage time before album number four hits the shelves. If that's the case, what comes next could be utterly massive!
Review: Belgium review translated
At 67, Al Atkins back on the pulpit of the preacher to plead the cause of Heavy Metal. The one who was the speaker of Judas Priest between 1969 and 1973 (NDR : before ordination of Father Halford) returns to center stage to introduce ourselves "Empire Of Destruction" , the latest addition to this Atkins May Project that shares with Christian guitarist Paul May . Nothing has changed since the release of the previous installment ( "Valley Of Shadows " ). Since two years ago, Atkins and May are alone at the controls. The first handles the vocals, the second string and production. The booklet is still no mention of drummer and you have probably inferred that the duo uses a machine to mark the rhythm of his compositions. If the style of the latter is still relatively close to the Classic Heavy Rock, pre-NWOBHM that played Judas Priest sometime in the seventies, it is however possible to say that "Empire Of Destruction"sounds like an album of traditional Priest. The husky timbre and deep Atkins is probably the main reason for this state of affairs. As skillfully emphasizes the writer of the bio provided by Gonzo Multimedia label : 'it seems that it touts every morning with a decoction of razor blades. We can not accuse Paul May have modeled its parts 'solo' in terms of Tipton and Downing as his style is closer to that of 'shredders' eighties as famous 'twin guitar' gang of Birmingham . May, remember, is a well-known studio shark middle 'Christian Rock' which to put his guitar lines on a good fifty albums by international artists. Everyone will appreciate "Empire Of Destruction" on its own terms. Younger will find it dated and tired and forget it quickly. Nostalgic, including us, will greet the return of this historical figure of the metal and the authentic side of the Heavy Rock. They will appreciate the warrior spirit of titles such as "World At War" and"The Midas Touch" , they will be moved by the subtle melodies of "Here Comes The Rain" and "Whisper To The Wind" and headbangeront on biting midges that are "The Darkness Within" and "Reckless Child" . They regret, however, that the duo did not appeal to external ear 'to help improve a sound production that often lacks power and finesse. 's wallet, we find sublime, was designed by English artist Rodney Matthewswhose works illustrate many classic Rock and Metal, for example, the "On A Story Teller's Night" from Magnum , the "Aqua" of Asia , the "Crazy Nights" for Tygers Of Pan Tang or the "Time Tells No Lies" the Praying Mantis . offered bonus DVD is nice but nothing special. We discover some video clips made with a budget and a nice interview of the two protagonists of the case. "Empire Of Destruction" is neither better nor worse than its predecessor and that's probably where the low hurts. We shared the immense respect we feel for Al Atkins and unpleasant than the plate, and full of great compositions, would have been more enjoyable if it had benefited from better production sensation. album (58'01 ) :
Review: US review
Atkins May Project: Empire of Destruction
Melodic Heavy Metal
4.0/5.0
Review: German review translated
Review: Belgium review translated
'Empire Of Destruction "of the Atkins May Project is the third album from this duo. Both previous albums ('Serpents Kiss' and 'Valley Of Shadows') were well received by press and public, and I suspect the same will happen with this latest piece. Even introduce myself for those who have missed the first two albums. Vocalist Al Atkins was in fact one of the founders of Judas Priest, he along with KK Downing, Ian Hill, and John Ellis founded the band in 1970, guitarist Paul May is the man responsible for all the guitar and writes the songs. Ten songs classic hard rock or heavy metal get presented here including eight from the pen of Paul May came. The songs are all pretty vesting and are quite sturdy charged. The highly melodic guitar playing of Paul is actually the main attraction, as the voice of Al to "on" seems to be quietly. His raw broken voice seems much of its power to have lost, resulting here in the fact that you can understand. Singing some pieces not or almost notAnd this genre is quite sad to call it. Besides the eight tracks written by Paul, you get here are their version of Thin Lizzy's 'Are You Ready'. The driven 'End Of The Earth' was then again by Rodney Mathhews written for a video that will be released later. Rodney Mathhews is perhaps better known as an illustrator of covers. He was responsible for many cases of Magnum and the albums from the Atkins May Project he supplied covers. Besides the band you'll hear in this last song vocalist Sarah Prothero with her angelic vocals creates a huge contrast with the broken voice of Al. So pity of those moments where the voice of Al grid / not not move otherwise by grade was my still marginally higher. This does not mean that I have really enjoyed this album at other times.Especially the firm and smooth 'Midas Touch' and the infectious grooving 'Paranoia' could count on my approval. That there is also a DVD has been added to this album with five videos and some additional interviews with both Paul and Al and Rodney will ensure that music fans might be next to this 'Empire Of Destruction' to add. Their shopping float inclined Luc Ghyselen (3 ½)
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Review: US Review
First from the U.K. comes the third album from the heavy metal band Atkins May Project entitled "Empire Of Destruction." The band features former original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and English guitar virtuoso Paul May. The band looks to set a new benchmark in heavy metal music with their latest nine-song release. The new album begins strong with the quick heavy metal pace of "Worlds At War" as Atkins vocals fit the music perfectly. The intensity picks up with the more aggressive attack of "The Midas Touch," before the nine-minute epic of "Here Comes The Rain," which allows Paul May to showcase his skills on guitar.
The heavy thumping rhythm of "Reckless Child" and the quick hitting "Are You Ready" showcases that this duo contain the right recipe for heavy metal success. The album closes with the thirteen-minute journey of the prog-metal masterpiece "Whisper To The Wind." There is a limited edition release of this new album which contains a bonus track, the adrenaline-pumping, heavy guitar riff-fueled "End Of The Earth" and a bonus DVD which contains five music videos and interviews with Al Atkins and Paul May about the new album. To find out more, please visit gonzomultimedia.co.uk.
Review: US Review

It was written as a depiction of the 'love of money' and the hold it can have upon on the human nature. To 'coin it', its basically about idolatry and lust in its modern state. Hey, we all need money, and I'm certainly not knocking wealth, in fact I'm willing to give it a go! As I'm sure we all are.
Review: UK Review
Empire Of Destruction
Gonzo Multimedia
Review: Chile Review - translated
Atkins May Project
Empire of Destruction
Album - 2014
Rating 7.5
Atkins May Project , as its title indicates, is the musical project by the lead singer of Judas Priest , Al Atkins and guitarist Paul May , along the same path Atkins and AND , heavy metal band who released three albums during early nineties, then dissolved without much impact. Empire of Destruction becomes the third installment of this duo, consisting of nine songs plus a bonus track.
The truth is that despite the past Atkins and knowing that it is the co-author of some of the early classics of Judas Priest ( Victim of Changes , Never Satisfied , Caviar And Meths ), never interested me delve deeper into his career musical, however this album opened a door to re-discover his work, because it has a handful of worthy hear more detention and providing pleasant moments of entertainment songs.
The main style is here heavy metal, very traditional and classic, adorned with large shares of hard rock, much feeling and husky voice of Atkins , that sounds good with his hard and rough tone, far from what Halford would in Priest subsequently. About the same, ie do not know if the fundamental British had got where they are today if Atkins had remained in the group. Not that bad singing or something like that, not at all-in fact makes it very well- but because if something influenced the greatness that reached bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest , that was the operatic and bombastic style vocalists insignes.
But back to Empire of Destruction and review some of the most outstanding cuts of the plate, among which are World At War , first cut is quite clear northern duo: heavy direct metal, raw, simple and classic, is a quick and very ganchera song with great guitar work and good vocal lines, however, and very unfortunately we note here of the great immediate "but" disc: the sound. With a clearer, not so serious and dark as this sharper production, many of his songs would stand out immediately as major issues.
Next up, The Midas Touch is another of the tracks that left me quite surprised, it is fast and with an air very far Saxon that shines above the rest. Indeed, if they have doubts about the vocal performance of Atkins , a song like this you will notice that there is even some similarity with Biff Byford , both in tone and in form. Great work of Paul May in the six strings, both in riffs and solos, manages to make very clear the technical capacity which boasts over the plate; and I say this fully knowing his past as a guitarist. At least here he looks at many of the cuts.
In Reckless Child may notice some brand that left Atkins in Priest through some tunes, but nothing too prominent and always talking about the early years of the British group. Very good cut in plan mid-tempo, but with some empty spaces in which we keep realizing how bad it sounds, especially the battery, really a shame when it comes to good songs and that otherwise achieved, perhaps, another kind of impact ... who knows.
Another clues that let me recommend is Whisper to the Wind , with a sharp edge epic begins slowly and very intimate, just Atkins singing some phrases accompanied by May 's some environmental keyboards, then enter drums and bass with hard shots , making everything go in crescendo , but rather dense atmosphere. Arriving at the five minute we find a change of pace with guitars reminiscent somewhat more progressive aspect, giving a whole new dimension to the work ofPaul May , who also runs an inspired one, which at the end causes the return the soft slow start sites. After a few minutes, pull the throttle back a bit, reaching a galloping rhythm that gives another dynamic to the song. Worth noting that this is a cut that lasts nearly thirteen minutes, why all these changes of pace are necessary and are appreciated as they form part without doubt one of the great themes of the plate.
To go closing, I tell them that comes a cover of Thin Lizzy for the song Are You Ready (here RU Ready ), correct implementation and experimentation without any surrender. A great tribute to the band disappeared Lynott . As a bonus track we have End of the Earth , cut in a seventies guitar as could be, and a very heavy mist to Hendrix or Cream , and otherwise is remarkable because it is a composition of Rodney Matthews , famed illustrator who has been in charge of the artwork for bands like Magnum , Thin Lizzy , Avantasia , Tygers of Pang Tang , Diamond Head, Asia , Veni Domine , Scorpions and Nazareth , among others. Despite being included as a bonus, the truth is that this is a great close this disc.
That's Empire of Destruction , a job that contains moments that are well worth investing time to hear them. Songs are fun, unpretentious, a traditional heavy metal in full force, but it could have been much better result of having a more appropriate to offer musically sound.
Review: US Review
EMPIRE OF DESTRUCTION
Atkins May Project is some of the metal music that I like to listen to the most. It's powerful, the songs are quick, beats are being played fast, but while the songs are filled with this energy and are being played with quick paced tempos it don't sound like it's in turbo mode. Don't get me wrong, I also enjoy the hyper drive speed metal but just good old fashion heavy metal will always get me pumped up. That's exactly what Empire of Destruction accomplishes, getting me pumped up from listening to it. Half way through track one I went from being blah it's another day to being oh yeah let’s get this day started already. Let me explain in another way that might make sense to this younger generation, listening to Empire of Destruction will be like having a energy drink, you get that shot of caffeine that you need to perk you up.
These two musicians know their stuff and rightly so I would say considering how long they've been playing. Vocals and instrumentals are being performed well on this album. There are a few moments that the music is a bit low key for a heavy metal song but like all heavy metal albums there is at least one song that will be the ballad or the slower song for those moments when you just want to catchy your breath. Best aspect I think for this album is that the tempos and beats change up between songs allowing the album to stay fresh from track to track. It's a fun album that would fit well for the early days of heavy metal lovers as well as fitting well with new comers to heavy metal. The songs are just a lot of fun for me to listen to and the energy that has been put into them oozes out and into me. For those reasons alone I will be listening to this album in future.
Review: US Review
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Review: French review translated
ATKINS MAY PROJECT: EMPIRE OF DESTRUCTION (2014)
ALBUM - GONZO MULTIMEDIA - HEAVY METAL
TRACKS:
. 01 A World At War, 02. The Midas Touch, 03. Here Comes The Rain 04. Darkness Within,05. Reckless Child, 06 . Paranoia, 07. Are You Ready, 08. Dog Eat Dog, 09. Whisper To The Wind, 10. End Of The Earth TRAINING: Al Atkins (Vocals), Paul May (guitars) TAG: 80's ,Epic , Old School , hoarse singing

The first two discs of the universe logically duo had a very old school in terms of heavy metal with trends ranging from Dio , Maiden to Judas Priest . "Empire Of Destruction" confirms that road with old, recalling his pocket productions Manilla Road , typical vintage sound very 80s.
And as long as one is a good time amateur we will listen to this very classy disc. Despite his 66 years Al Atkinsremains an interesting singer near a Dio. Certainly it does not have the power of youth, but it retains a passion and a very interesting energy. His friend on guitar confirms an enormous talent for typical riffs and solos of good old heavy metal. And 'A World At War', 'The Midas Touch', 'Reckless Child' or 'Dog Eat Dog' they do the job with ease and a beautiful metallic writing worthy 80s.
But the musicians also have the intelligence to propose a few changes with longer songs. Pretty epic, 'Here Comes The Rain' and 'Whisper To The Wind' show that Atkins and May can succeed in a more progressive style. There are some beautiful passages air guitar and a melodic voice with a convincing felted grain, all in the spirit of Saxonera "Crusader".30 years ago, "Empire Of Destruction" would certainly have met with great success esteem. Today, he probably speaks only a few nostalgic sound and music of another era. However we must respect the work of these artisans a heavy metal old proudly resistant to time and modes.
More information about https://www.atkinsmayproject.com/
Review: UK Review
Rock Society Mag UK