GALACTIC EMPIRE | LIVE REVIEW
The Globe, Cardiff, Tue 7 Feb
Bored of the same tired-looking tribute acts? This empire is striking back. Galactic Empire, a Star Wars-themed metal band paying homage to the scores of John Williams, are the band you’re looking for. Fully garbed in authentic costumes, the five-piece proved destructive capabilities on an Alderaanian scale at The Globe, leaving a captivated audience in no doubt over the full power of the dark side.
Darth Vader takes centre stage, flanked by two fellow guitarists, a Shadow Stormtrooper and Emperor’s Royal Guard, while the basslines are taken care of by a clone Stormtrooper and notorious bounty hunter Boba Fett brings up the rear on the drums. Launching straight into a thrash version of the unforgettable Main Theme, what hits you immediately is that underneath the showmanship, this is a group of brilliant musicians. They’re tighter than a chain around Jabba’s neck, with no falters or notes out of place, not a rogue one.
Their metal interpretations of Williams’ infamous compositions are heavier than a woolly bantha, and intersect their set with pre-recorded interactions and skits. The Imperial March, The Force Theme, and the jovially contrasting Cantina Band follow, as well as the ode to love and lament to sand, Across The Stars. Vader switches his slaying from Rebel scum to warping solos, and provides comic relief when using the Force to choke a member of the audience, before launching back into the abrasive set.
An intricate lightshow adds to the spectacle, and one gets the sense that whilst musically impressive, without the costumes, voiceovers and theme, Galactic Empire’s show would resonate a more hollow sound. But that’s the beauty of it. Melodies formerly performed by orchestras are now riffed with piercing guitar tone, booming basslines add to the sense of doom, and all is underlined by a thoroughly entertaining stage presence.
The set, capped off with the rousing The Throne Room and Duel Of The Fates, takes the audience through a timeline of Star Wars scores, giving us a new hope for the future of themed performances. Galactic Empire, we bow down: you are fully operational.
words BEN BARKER