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Hailing from New Jersey, the same breeding grounds that spawned acts such as Overkill and Symphony X, Dark Empire are ready to unleash another masterpiece of heavy metal on the world with the release of their sophomore album, HUMANITY DETHRONED.  Spearheaded by lead guitarist and songwriter Matt Moliti, Dark Empire play a blend of thrash infused progressive metal, combining the attitude and aggression of the former with the technical proficiency and strong melodic sense of the latter into a sound that is unmistakably their own.

This early in their career, Dark Empire are no strangers to great critical praises with their debut album DISTANT TIDES receiving rave reviews throughout the metal press, including a 9.5 score from Canadian ‘zine Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles who also placed DISTANT TIDES 2 on their list of top Indie releases of 2006.  Since then, Dark Empire have undergone some changes in their lineup, bringing in drumming wizard Samus (ex-Suspyre, ex-Mutiny).  Returning with Moliti’s blistering lead playing is powerhouse vocalist Jens Carlsson (Persuader, Savage Circus), who’s harsh approach to melodic singing adds even more bite to Dark Empire’s already aggressive riffing.

Produced and mixed once again by Jeremy Krull, mastered by Mika Jussila (Children of Bodom, Sonata Arctica, etc.), and featuring artwork from brazilian designer Gustavo Sazes (Firewind, Mystic Prophecy, Suspyre, etc.) HUMANITY DETHRONED is sure to appeal a wide range of metal listeners. Featuring songs like the melodic death influenced title track, raging thrashers “No Sign of Life”, album opener “Eyes of Defiance”, and “Salvation Denied”, the dark progressive epic “The Forgotten Sin”, and the grooving “Faded Dreams”.  Last but certainly not least, the album ends with the 4 part suite “The Apparition Sequence” which features the majestic intro of “Prelude”, the freight-train-like assault of “Haunted” (which is already a favorite in the group’s live set), the blazing modern metal inspired “Possessed”, and the haunting ballad “Closure”.

Dark Empire made their live debut last summer (joined by now 2nd guitarist Andrew Atwood) at The Hook in Brooklyn, NY, and also appeared at the Texas Madfest festival in Houston, TX, and were considered by many fans to be the standout band.  It was here that they were approached by Killzone Records to which they have now signed and are set to release HUMANITY DETHRONED in North America and Europe on May 5th.

Rock Machine Records will release the album in Brazil and Art Group will handle the release in Japan.