Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Empires is the seventh studio album by the Swiss hard rock/heavy metal band The Order, released on April 24, 2026 by Massacre Records. The album represents a mature and cohesive return for the band, celebrating almost 20 years of career since their debut, Son of Armageddon (2006).
The album explores themes of the fall of empires, rebellion, resistance against manipulation and power, with a sharp political tone and raw energy reminiscent of the spirit of the band's first album. The title Empires reflects a reflection on the rise and fall of power structures, mixing urgency, strength, and epic melody. The lyrics combine rock 'n' roll attitude with deeper messages, without losing the direct appeal and "fist-pumping" feel.
The Order delivers a melodic and powerful hard rock/heavy metal sound, with a strong classic 80s influence, but with modern and dynamic production. The sound is characterized by: Massive and heavy riffs (courtesy of Bruno Spring). Highly catchy and memorable refrains. Powerful grooves from the rhythm section (Alain Schwaller's bass and Mauro “Tschibu” Casciero's precise drumming). Expressive and versatile vocals from Gianni Pontillo, oscillating between rock raspiness, soaring melody, and almost epic intensity (frequent comparisons are made to Ronnie James Dio or Ronnie Romero in terms of emotional delivery).
The production by V.O. Pulver (at Little Creek Studios, Switzerland) is praised for being full-bodied, dynamic, and not at all sterile: the guitars sound raw and heavy, the bass and drums have punch, and the vocals stand out well without losing the overall weight. The result is an album that sounds traditional in spirit but current in execution—an elegant bridge between groovy hard rock and more aggressive heavy metal, without falling into radical experimentation. The album artwork was created by Jan Yrlund.
Reviews highlight the album's massive scale, consistent melody, and ability to create anthems live. Some point out that the album is predictable at times and doesn't innovate much, but it compensates with consistent quality, energy, and a cohesive flow that works from beginning to end. Ratings range from 3.5/5 to 8/10, being considered one of the band's most mature and solid works.
Empires is seen as an album that maintains the high standard of The Order's discography, highlighting the band's chemistry and Pontillo's voice, which elevates the compositions. It balances mid-tempo anthems, danceable grooves, a touch of ballad, and an epic ending, creating variety without losing cohesion.
For fans of Swiss bands like Krokus and Gotthard, or classics like Accept, Saxon, Judas Priest, and Dio with a more modern and melodic approach, it's a solid recommendation. The album also marks a special moment: even with Gianni Pontillo's commitment to Nazareth, the band remains strong, with planned shows (the first after the release was on April 25, 2026 in Switzerland) and 20th-anniversary celebrations on the horizon.
In short, Empires is a straightforward, powerful, and melodic album that celebrates the roots of Swiss hard rock/heavy metal with current production, addictive refrains, and an energy that invites you to listen loudly and, ideally, live. A solid addition to The Order's catalog and a great choice for those who enjoy classic metal/hard rock with a contemporary attitude.
MEMBERS
Mauro "Tschibu" Casciero - Drums
Bruno Spring - Guitars
Gianni Pontillo - Vocals
Alain Schwaller - Bass
TRACKLIST
1. Empires | 00:00
2. Fight for Your Rights | 03:24
3. Warriors | 09:24
4. Thieves in the Night | 13:52
5. Living for the Nightlife | 17:58
6. Wherever I Go | 22:22
7. The Last Call | 26:58
8. Of Martyrs and Tyrants | 31:27
9. The Bonehead’s Back – Promises and Illusions | 35:42
SOCIAL MEDIA
Deezer: deezer.com/en/artist/142898
Facebook: facebook.com/theorderofficial
Instagram: instagram.com/theordermetal
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/3Jrj8vFlMFZyudndrcF6ux
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by The Order. All rights reserved to Kontor New Media Music on behalf of Massacre Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#theorder #heavymetal #hardrock
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
Empires is the seventh studio album by the Swiss hard rock/heavy metal band The Order, released on April 24, 2026 by Massacre Records. The album represents a mature and cohesive return for the band, celebrating almost 20 years of career since their debut, Son of Armageddon (2006).
The album explores themes of the fall of empires, rebellion, resistance against manipulation and power, with a sharp political tone and raw energy reminiscent of the spirit of the band's first album. The title Empires reflects a reflection on the rise and fall of power structures, mixing urgency, strength, and epic melody. The lyrics combine rock 'n' roll attitude with deeper messages, without losing the direct appeal and "fist-pumping" feel.
The Order delivers a melodic and powerful hard rock/heavy metal sound, with a strong classic 80s influence, but with modern and dynamic production. The sound is characterized by: Massive and heavy riffs (courtesy of Bruno Spring). Highly catchy and memorable refrains. Powerful grooves from the rhythm section (Alain Schwaller's bass and Mauro “Tschibu” Casciero's precise drumming). Expressive and versatile vocals from Gianni Pontillo, oscillating between rock raspiness, soaring melody, and almost epic intensity (frequent comparisons are made to Ronnie James Dio or Ronnie Romero in terms of emotional delivery).
The production by V.O. Pulver (at Little Creek Studios, Switzerland) is praised for being full-bodied, dynamic, and not at all sterile: the guitars sound raw and heavy, the bass and drums have punch, and the vocals stand out well without losing the overall weight. The result is an album that sounds traditional in spirit but current in execution—an elegant bridge between groovy hard rock and more aggressive heavy metal, without falling into radical experimentation. The album artwork was created by Jan Yrlund.
Reviews highlight the album's massive scale, consistent melody, and ability to create anthems live. Some point out that the album is predictable at times and doesn't innovate much, but it compensates with consistent quality, energy, and a cohesive flow that works from beginning to end. Ratings range from 3.5/5 to 8/10, being considered one of the band's most mature and solid works.
Empires is seen as an album that maintains the high standard of The Order's discography, highlighting the band's chemistry and Pontillo's voice, which elevates the compositions. It balances mid-tempo anthems, danceable grooves, a touch of ballad, and an epic ending, creating variety without losing cohesion.
For fans of Swiss bands like Krokus and Gotthard, or classics like Accept, Saxon, Judas Priest, and Dio with a more modern and melodic approach, it's a solid recommendation. The album also marks a special moment: even with Gianni Pontillo's commitment to Nazareth, the band remains strong, with planned shows (the first after the release was on April 25, 2026 in Switzerland) and 20th-anniversary celebrations on the horizon.
In short, Empires is a straightforward, powerful, and melodic album that celebrates the roots of Swiss hard rock/heavy metal with current production, addictive refrains, and an energy that invites you to listen loudly and, ideally, live. A solid addition to The Order's catalog and a great choice for those who enjoy classic metal/hard rock with a contemporary attitude.
MEMBERS
Mauro "Tschibu" Casciero - Drums
Bruno Spring - Guitars
Gianni Pontillo - Vocals
Alain Schwaller - Bass
TRACKLIST
1. Empires | 00:00
2. Fight for Your Rights | 03:24
3. Warriors | 09:24
4. Thieves in the Night | 13:52
5. Living for the Nightlife | 17:58
6. Wherever I Go | 22:22
7. The Last Call | 26:58
8. Of Martyrs and Tyrants | 31:27
9. The Bonehead’s Back – Promises and Illusions | 35:42
SOCIAL MEDIA
Deezer: deezer.com/en/artist/142898
Facebook: facebook.com/theorderofficial
Instagram: instagram.com/theordermetal
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/3Jrj8vFlMFZyudndrcF6ux
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by The Order. All rights reserved to Kontor New Media Music on behalf of Massacre Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#theorder #heavymetal #hardrock
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
