*. Emperor .*

Album: Emperor (1977)
Genre: Prog Rock (Hard Rock/AOR/Pop)  /  USA

Emperor were a band from Long Beach, California, founded in the 60's as The Emperors. In the early 70's they signed with RCA Records and released a few singles, but to no avail. After changing to Private Stock Records, they released their first (and unfortunately last) album in 1977. Back then Emperor consisted of Joe Alexander (guitars, vocals), Joe Marques (bass, vocals), Randy Budihas (drums, percussion, vocals), Steve Watts (drums, percussions, vocals) and Mike Lobett (keyboards, vocals). They were open to any given successful influences from West Coast Rock (Eagles, The Doobie Brothers) over Pomp Rock (Styx, Angel) to Hard Rock and AOR (Boston). The nine songs of their debut album, produced by Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise, were all well composed and almost perfectly performed. "Dreamer" should have become a massive hit single, and the 8-minute-track "I'm Alive" would have made bands like Styx very proud. Although quite successful in their homely environment, unfortunately the album didn't make the US Hot 100, and all other countries in the world never even realized, that there was another very talented band, featuring three lead singers and a great guitarist. So Emperor disbanded in the early 80's. But surprisingly I recently learned, that The Emperors, as they name themselves today as in the beginning, are existing again since 2002 with three original members (Steve, Randy, Joe Marques) plus Dave Quintana (guitar, vocals) and Chip Walsh (keyboards, harmonica, vocals). Love you, guys! Review by "Communique" (Rate Your Music).

RATING:  7 / 10

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