Details Of New Album "The Last Emperor" Announced By Judicator

Arizona based power metal act Judicator - featuring guitarist Tony Cordisco and Disforia vocalist John Yelland - has announced that the band's new album will be entitled "The Last Emperor" and is expected for release this year.

The band will return to Dirty Viking Audio Production and Tower Studio for the production of the album, where the last album "At the Expense of Humanity" was recorded. The artwork (shown below) was created by Mark Whisnant of Brilliant Engine.

The band commented on the concept for the album: "'The Last Emperor' will continue our trend of concept albums, and return to our historical roots--but this time with a fictional twist.

"Here's the story so far...

"Call me Fronsac. Some years ago, before this holy crusade, having been brought to my knees by the weight of my grievous sins, I thought myself lost in the eyes of the Lord. I was a broken man with shattered dreams. When the Pope issued his call to arms in the name of our Lord, I answered. Whereas some sought to defend Christendom and our brothers to the east, I sought the means to my redemption. I joined the Crusade. I took up the cross.

"It was by this holy crusade that I came to believe I might find grace, that my sins might be washed clean. Yet for all my good intentions I have only damned myself further, despite what my compatriots may say to the contrary. I have taken part in more atrocities than I would care to remember. My nights are troubled by the faces of those whom I have wronged, those I’ve killed and stolen from. I deserve far worse than troubled sleep.

"But here I sit, bowl full of horse meat and naught to drink, on the eve of what we hope will be the final push to take this city. If we don’t take it soon then we shall die before the gates of Antioch a rabble of sinful wretches and misled paupers. And yet God, for whatever reason, has seen fit to bless us with not only survival, but victory upon victory.

"Beyond those walls or before them I suspect I will meet my maker, and confess to him what I have done in his name. On the morrow we shall see.

"For years a humming fervor grew in Europe, particularly in France. Pope Urban II had been preaching the message of the holy pilgrimage for years. When a Byzantine ambassador came with word of Turk invaders, he had just the spark he needed to set this tinderbox ablaze. The goal was not just to push back invading Turks, but carve a path toward the Holy Land, to capture Jerusalem.

"Some were pressured to go by their local churches, some went voluntarily, seeking a clean slate and forgiveness of their sins. Others went for plunder and a good fight, and some went simply for fun. Many even went for honor and out of pious duty. Fronsac is among the sinners, a man seeking to clean his slate. His trials will exemplify the duality of man in trying times. His journey will bring the crusader mindset and lifestyle to life."

The album's track list is as follows:

1. Circle of Relics
2. The Last Emperor
3. Bleeding Realm
4. Raining Gold
5. Bleed the Steed
6. Together in Suffering
7. Antioch
8. Nothing But Blood
9. It Falls to Jerusalem
10. King of Rome (Bonus Track 2016 Re-recording)

Judicator is:

John Yelland - Vocals, Lyrics, Concept
Tony Cordisco - Rhythm/Lead Guitar, Acoustic, Composition
Austin Bentley - Lead Guitar, Orchestration, Keyboards, Additional Vocals
Joseph Palomares - Bass Guitar
Jordan Elcess - Drums