2017, Empire is the Hard Rock band of German guitarist Rolf Munkes (ex-Majesty, ex-Razorback, Crematory) which has released four exceptional albums in between the years of 2001 and 2007. On these releases, Munkes was accompanied by numerous high-class musicians. The history of Empire began in the year 2001 with the release of the album HYPNOTICA which featured both the American singers Mark Boals (ex-Yngwie J. Malmsteen) and Lance King (ex-Nightmare) on vocals. The line-up at the time was completed by Neil Murray (bass, ex-Whitesnake, Brian May Band, Black Sabbath), Gerald Klos (drums), Anders Johansson (drums, ex-Stratovarius) and Don Airey (keyboards, ex-Rainbow, Deep Purple). Only one year later, TRADING SOULS, the band's second album came out. The CD once again was produced by Munkes with the mix being handled by Kaufmann. On this release, singer extraordinare Tony Martin (ex-Black Sabbath) replaced Lance King and Tony Martin on the vocal spot.