The Last Emperor
The Last Emperor moves forward almost constantly. Judicator put fast guitar parts beneath large, layered vocal melodies and keep the drums working hard. The record has the direct force of speed metal while leaving the choruses enough room to work. That combination makes its historical concept easy to approach.
John Yelland's voice matters here. He can make large melodic leaps without losing the line. The vocal layers expand that effect and give the music a solemn quality. The Blind Guardian influence is clear, though the sharp guitar work keeps the album from becoming only an exercise in admiration.
Raining Gold uses this fierce approach well. The rhythm maintains pressure and the singing gives the fast riffs a recognisable shape. Blind Guardian's Hansi Kürsch joins in on Spiritual Treason. The two voices fit together convincingly. The song also has enough strong guitar parts and melodies to stand up without that guest contribution.
The constant speed is the main limitation too. Individual songs have good ideas, but the pace changes so little that some begin to blend together. Take Up Your Cross therefore provides a welcome difference. Its steadier movement and extended chorus give the music more space. You quickly notice how much a small adjustment can contribute.
The recording helps the band remain sharp. The drums have enough force, the guitars sound firm and the singing is easy to follow. At around forty-five minutes, the album also stays reasonably compact. Judicator find the best balance when speed and melody strengthen one another. The Last Emperor has a familiar foundation, but the conviction and skill make it much more than a recognisable example of its genre. Its strongest moments have both immediate energy and melodies worth remembering.
