The Order – Empires

The Order
Empires
Label: Massacre Records
Out: 24^th April 2026
Playing time: 45:51

Hard Rock and Metal from Switzerland have a long tradition. Names such as Gotthard, Krokus, Shakra, Deep Sun, Crystal Ball and many others spring to mind. The Order are also among the long-standing bands from the Alpine country. Formed in 2004, their debut album ‘Son of Armageddon’ was released two years later. Five further albums followed at more or less regular intervals up until 2020 (“Supreme Hypocrisy”). Apart from the EP “Out of Order” (2021), there were no further releases after that. Until April this year, that is, when “Empires” was released. With “Empires”, the Swiss band picks up where the “raw spirit” of their debut album left off.

Heavy riffs, catchy hooks and frontman Gianni Pontillo’s distinctive voice define the album.

‘Empires’ was produced by V.O. Pulver at Little Creek Studios in Switzerland. Alongside The Order’s classic roots, the powerful production also highlights the band’s creative development.

The title track ‘Empires’ opens the album and kicks off with frantic guitars. Then Gianni Pontillo’s smoke-filled vocals ring out, backed by powerful guitar riffs. At the start of ‘Fight For Your Rights’, the Swiss band step it up a gear. But only to switch to mid-tempo just as the vocals kick in. The chorus invites you to sing along. Naturally, Bruno Spring impresses with intricate guitar solos. On ‘Warriors’, the musicians go at a fast pace. Driven by drummer Mauro Casciero, Bruno Spring delivers fast riffs and guitar melodies. And The Order keep the tempo high on ‘Thieves In The Night’ too. Mauro Casciero drives his bandmates on once again. ‘Living For The Nightlife’ isn’t quite as fast, but no less heavy. Once again, there’s a chorus to sing along to, and not just for the fans but also for the other musicians, who support their frontman in the backing vocals. With “Wherever I Go”, we then hear a grand mid-tempo Hard Rock anthem, similar to those by their aforementioned compatriots. But by the time “The Last Call” comes round, the guitars are blazing once more and, together with the drums, set the pace. ‘Of Martyrs And Tyrants’ is the next anthem. The closing track, ‘The Bonehead’s Back – Promises And Illusions’, is an epic track lasting over ten minutes, which begins ballad-style with the sound of the sea, seagulls crying and acoustic guitars. But then the sound becomes anthemic, featuring a grand, melodic guitar solo. Shortly afterwards, the guitars sound frantic and the vocals raw. Later on, there are further changes in melody and rhythm, giving the song a progressive feel. The song ends with the sound of the sea, the cries of seagulls and acoustic guitars.

With ‘Empires’, The Order have released an outstanding album. Bassist Alain Schwaller, together with Mauro Casciero, provides the driving rhythm section, whilst Bruno Spring consistently delivers powerful guitar solos. And Gianni Pontillo’s vocals are the icing on the cake. This puts them on a par with Switzerland’s other major bands. Fans of the bands mentioned above can snap this up without hesitation.

The Order – Fight For Your Rights: https://youtu.be/xWwARdYVLMM?si=IEdEHCJ80NabyH1W

Lineup:

Gianni Pontillo – Vocals
Bruno Spring – Guitars
Alain Schwaller – Bass
Mauro “Tschibu” Casciero – Drums

Track list:

• Empires
• Fight For Your Rights
• Warriors
• Thieves In The Night
• Living For The Nightlife
• Wherever I Go
• The Last Call
• Of Martyrs And Tyrants
• The Bonehead’s Back – Promises And Illusions