EMPIRE, the brainchild of German guitarist
Rolf Munkes (
MAJESTY,
EMPIRE,
RAZORBACK, ex-
VANIZE), have set
"Raven Ride" as the title of their third album, due in May via
AOR Heaven Records. The follow-up to 2003's
"Trading Souls" (
Lion Music) will feature guest appearances by singer
Tony Martin (ex-
BLACK SABBATH), drummer
Andre Hilgers (
AXXIS,
SILENT FORCE,
RAZORBACK) and bassist
Neil Murray (
WHITESNAKE,
BLACK SABBATH,
M3).
Martin and
Murray had both appeared on
"Trading Souls", which featured additional contributions from
DEEP PURPLE keyboardist
Don Airey and current
HAMMERFALL/ex-
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN drummer
Anders Johansson. A 90-second audio sample of the
"Raven Ride" title track is available at
this location.