Back To Knowledge by Empire: A Prog Rock Gem That Still Hits Hard
Let’s get one thing straight—prog rock isn’t for everyone. It’s like that weird uncle at family gatherings who insists on telling you about his stamp collection in excruciating detail. But when it clicks, man, does it ever click. Back To Knowledge, the 1994 album from Italy’s Empire, is one of those records that makes you sit up and go, “Wait… this is actually kinda brilliant.”
First off, props to Vinyl Magic for putting this out. Released during a time when grunge was hogging all the spotlight, this album felt like a secret handshake between die-hard prog fans. And let’s not forget the crew behind it—Beppe Crovella pulling triple duty as producer, engineer, and mixer? That guy deserves a medal or at least a really nice espresso.
Now, onto the tracks. There are nine songs here, each with its own vibe, but two stood out enough to make me hit repeat (and maybe spill some coffee in the process).
Track three, The Artist, is an absolute beast. Rosanna De Luca’s vocals soar over Edo Rogani’s keys like they’re having their own private conversation about life, art, and whatever else deep people talk about. The song builds slowly, almost teasing you, before exploding into this massive wall of sound that feels like being hugged by a thundercloud. You can tell Paolo Sburlati had fun on drums because every beat hits just right—it’s intricate without trying too hard, which is harder than it sounds.
Then there’s The Planet. This track is where the band shows off their storytelling chops. It’s got this cinematic quality, like you’re watching a sci-fi movie unfold in your head. The keyboards set the mood while the rhythm section keeps things grounded. By the end, you’re left wondering if aliens might actually be real. Or maybe that’s just me after listening to too much prog rock.
What strikes me most about this record is how cohesive it feels despite its complexity. Everything flows together like a well-oiled machine—or, you know, like a really good lasagna. Franco Vassia’s cover art adds another layer of charm; it’s trippy yet classy, much like the music inside.
But here’s the kicker: why doesn’t anyone talk about Empire more often? Sure, they didn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, but albums like Back To Knowledge remind us why prog rock still matters. It’s smart, ambitious, and unapologetically itself—even if that means flying under the radar.
So next time you’re itching for something different, give this Italian gem a spin. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself lost in its labyrinth of sound—and loving every second of it. Just don’t blame me if you start daydreaming about spaceships and immortal beings.
