Galactic Empire’s self-titled 2016 debut is a heavy-metal homage to the greatest saga ever told — Star Wars. The Force-filled quintet, which raised more than $61,000 via Kickstarter to take its show on the road, transformed some of the films’ most notable compositions into hard-hitting, bass-heavy, groove-filled rock masterpieces that composer John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra can be proud of.
UPDATE: Due to "unforeseen circumstances," the Tampa date of the tour has been cancelled. Refunds are being issued at point of purchase and the band has no plans to make up the date.
https://www.facebook.com/galacticempireofficial/posts/1272519336207642As CL music’s resident Star Wars nerd, I’ve picked apart Galactic Empire’s best covers and ranked them before the band arrives in Ybor City for an Orpheum show on Thursday, July 27.
Get more information on the show via local.cltampa.com, and hear the originals in the post. Listen to the covers from to the full album at the bottom of this post.
11. “Ben’s Death/Tie Fighter Battle” (Episode IV — A New Hope) The music played in the background as Obi-Wan Kenobi sacrifices himself in order to help Luke fulfill his destiny. It also transitions as the Millennium Falcon is escaping the Death Star and Luke and Han are battling the TIE fighters. Hear the metal cover.
10. “The Forest Battle” It isn’t used in any of the movies, but is available on the Return of the Jedi soundtrack. It has bits from the Ewok battle and parade music, and bits and pieces are used throughout other installments. Hear the metal cover.
09. “Across the Stars” (Episode II — Attack of the Clones) Padme and Anakin’s love song is transformed into a melodic and operatic tune that slow-builds before gaining momentum at the 2:30 mark. I cannot stress how badass the drummer is on this, and throughout the entire album. Hear the metal cover.
08. “The Asteroid Field (Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back) Heard during the first asteroid field scene. This headbanging, pulse-pounding track is infectious and mosh pit-inducing. Hear the metal cover.
07. “Cantina Band” (Episode IV — A New Hope) Possibly one of the most parodied songs ever (Google “Family Guy Blue Harvest Cantina Band”), and Galactic Empire turns this ridiculous tune into the product of a pop-punk band you’d see on Warped Tour. Hear the metal cover.
06. “The Force Theme” (Episode IV — A New Hope) A short but nonetheless rocking piece fitting for an interlude between “proper” songs on an album. This forceful and melancholy cover is heard as Luke Skywalker is watching the twin setting suns of Tatooine. Hear the metal cover.
05. “The Throne Room/End Title” (Episode IV — A New Hope) A six-minute prog-metal symphony that borrows from a scene in which Princess Leia is awarding Luke and Han Solo medals at the Temple of Massassi. Hear the metal cover.
04. “Main Theme” The intro on eight of the nine films is one of the most recognizable themes in film. Guitars on this are epic, and I am forever grateful. Hear the metal cover.
03. “Imperial March” (First heard in Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back) Played whenever Darth Vader is mentioned or seen. Commanding, dark, and foreboding; adding metal to the mix just brings it to another level. Hear the metal cover.
02. “Duel of the Fates” (Episode I — The Phantom Menace) The movie is meh, but this epic song starts as Darth Maul yields his double-bladed lightsaber in a face-to-face battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn. Hear the metal cover.
01. “Battle of the Heroes” (Episode III — Revenge of the Sith) I’m not a big fan of the first three episodes, but hearing this version of the soundtrack to the Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi fight on the planet Mustafar makes me giddy. Hear the metal cover.
This article appears in Jul 20-27, 2017.