Really what can you say about Stu Marshall‘s PAINDIVISON / DUNGEON project EMPIRES OF EDEN, except what a release! With the addition of the finest musicians put together, the CD is over the top. Killer vocalists, killer guitarists, just a metal dream come true and the production by Dan Quinlan (DEICIDE) is the icing on the cake.

The opening intro “Dawn of Fire” sets the mood for the driving opening track, “New Hope” with the screaming guitar from the first note by Marshall is chilling as Louie Gorgievski of CRIMSONFIRE takes center stage. If you’re a fan of MAIDEN and HELLOWEEN you will cream for this track. Throughout this entire release you will hear some of the best guitarists ever, putting Yngwie and others in a second class category. I mean off-the-hook with volatile slashing to torrid screaming. Louie Gorgievski also handles track two, “Empires of Eden”, that has catchy hooks and the vocals are a bit more in the MAIDEN style and Mr. Marshall has a tinge of Mr. Van Halen added on this one.

Oh man! Check the vocals of Mike Zoias (ex-TRANSCENDING MORTALITY) on “The Reckoning” a little deeper more in a heavy progressive mode; this guy has pipes that are possessive. I love this track, which is a melodic ballad with classic keyboards that has an uplifting spirit. “Through Eternity”, respectfully has the total essences of MAIDEN with guest guitarists Lord Tim / Mark Furtner (LORD), this is fist pumping beyond belief.

“Dark Religion” has the demon words of Gun Arvidssen with narration that is set between breaks with the guitar work of Ben Thomas (THUNDERASTEEL) and VANISHING POINT’s Chris Porcianko making for a darker feel. Session vocalist Chris Ninni takes hold of the spotlight on this one that adds the perfect touch. Marshall has some down tuning and if you listen up you will hear Stu going off in the shadows. Marshall just amazes me in the chameleon guitar sound.

Talk about pounding the strings; check out Akira Takada (CERBEUS) and Yoshiyasu Maruyama (ARGUMENT SOUL) on “Fires of Torment”. It is sweet! What superior guitar slaying and don’t forget that killer midsection of Keebs on drums and Marshall on bass.

“Black Endings” is a keyboard melody with narration by Gun Arvidssen that runs into “Echoes of Oblivion” that is a soft ballad that tantalizes the membranes. The guitarists are amazing and all the vocalists are simply outstanding.