Chris Impellitteri formed Impellitteri in 1987 together with Rob Rock as vocalist. That year, they released an EP called the black album. The selftitled EP was well-received, and Impellitteri regrouped, this time with Graham Bonnet as lead singer, and release the full-length album Stand In Line in 1988.
After some touring and label deals, Impellitteri returned (again with Rob Rock on vocals) with Grin and Bear It in 1992. The following year, they released another EP titled Victim of the System. In 1994, they released Answer To The Master.
In 1996, Impellitteri released Screaming Symphony, which has become one of the most acclaimed albums of the band. In 1997 they released yet another EP titled Fuel For The Fire, in preparation for their next full-length album. The next year, they released another of their most acclaimed works: Eye of the Hurricane. They followed it in 2000 with Crunch.
Shortly after, Rock decided to pursue a solo career so Impellitteri recruited Graham Bonnet again, and started working on his next album. In 2002, they finally released System X. That year, they also released a compilation of hits called The Very Best of Impellitteri.
The union with Bonnet would be short-lived as they parted ways some time after, and Impellitteri recruited Curtis Skelton, finally releasing Pedal To The Metal in 2004, one of their most aggressive albums to date.
Chris Impellitteri is currently working with an LA band (as a member, not leader) and has announced that they will release a new album soon.
Chris Impellitteri has been ranked together with Deicide drummer Steve Asheim and bassist Adrian Davison as perhaps the fastest musicians on their respective instruments.
The band is currently on hiatus as Chris recently joined a Los Angeles band, and is working with them on a new album.
Empire of Lies
Impellitteri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So full of delusion. his arrogance unfurled
I see the writing on the wall in neon lights - Welcome to all
Empire of lies!
Streets are full of violence, emptiness and greed
In a downward spiral, that everyone can see
I see the writing on the wall in neon lights - Welcome to all
Empire of lies, I can see you falling down
Empire of lies, you're a king without a crown
Here comes the fire of justice
(to punish all evil and hum it down)
It's raining down on your kingdom
(now the world will turn and Rome will burn)
Empire!
(Guitar Solo)
Empire of lies, I can seeyou falling down
Empire of lies, you're a king without a crown
Empire of lies, now you'll reap what you have sown
Empire of lies
The lyrics of Impellitteri's song Empire of Lies are a scathing critique of the corrupt and self-serving nature of power. The opening verse sets the tone with an ironic reference to Caesar, the celebrated ruler of the Roman Empire who embodied the very qualities that the song condemns: delusion and arrogance. The chorus drives home the point with the unambiguous declaration that this is an "Empire of Lies," where violence, emptiness, and greed reign supreme.
The second verse paints a harsh portrait of the society that exists within this empire, with people caught in a "downward spiral" that is visible to all. The "writing on the wall in neon lights" spells out the inevitable downfall of this system, as justice takes hold and the old order is swept away. The song concludes with a final declaration of the empire's ultimate fate, with the repeated refrain of "Empire of Lies" echoing like a death knell.
Empire of Lies is a powerful commentary on the nature of power and the inevitable consequences of corrupt rule. Its lyrics paint a vivid and disturbing picture of a world in which the very structures of society are collapsing, and the only hope lies in the fires of change and transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
All hail to Caesar, the ruler of the world
A sarcastic remark about the arrogance and delusion of people in power
So full of delusion, his arrogance unfurled
Caesar's arrogance and ego is so large that it has blindfolded him with delusion
I see the writing on the wall in neon lights - Welcome to all
The ominous signs of a failing empire are everywhere, but people choose to ignore them and welcome the lies
Empire of lies!
The empire is built on a foundation of deceit and falsehood
Streets are full of violence, emptiness and greed
The empire is filled with violence, poverty, and only greed prevails
In a downward spiral, that everyone can see
The collapse of the empire is imminent and there is no hiding from it
Empire of lies, I can see you falling down
The empire is inevitably collapsing because it was built on lies
Empire of lies, you're a king without a crown
The power of the empire is hollow and meaningless
Here comes the fire of justice
The destructive forces of justice are coming for the corrupt empire that caused so much pain to the people
(to punish all evil and hum it down)
Justice will destroy all evil and humble its tyrants
It's raining down on your kingdom
The retribution and the consequences of the empire's actions are coming down swiftly on the empire itself
(now the world will turn and Rome will burn)
Finally, the world will see the empire burn, as it was always destined to do
Empire of lies, I can see you falling down
Reiterating the inevitability of the empire's collapse
Empire of lies, you're a king without a crown
The empire was built on false pretenses and therefore has no legitimate power
Empire of lies, now you'll reap what you have sown
The empire will finally pay the price for the lies and deceit it spread
Empire of lies
Final reference to the falsehood and corruption of the empire
Contributed by Elena T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
capu
Chris Impellitteri, one of the most underrated guitarrist.
Newtonxmeter
Chris still has it at 50+, that solo can tear down walls
Andrés Lere Vocals - Guitar - Bass
What a great vocalist and guitarrist. All their albums have incredibly powerful songs. Great job!
Oscar Murcia
Tremendo solo de guitarra como siempre, que mas se puede esperar de este virtuoso guitarrista, y rob rock genial desde los ochentas hasta la actualidad
leonardo cardoso
Acabo El Silencio o cara é foda
Timothy Issler
I love how Chris didn't do any high-flash stuff during the solo; he just crouched and played the guitar, letting you see every note he hit (if your eyes are quick enough and you slow the video down). Beautiful delivery.
arthur murfitt
'cept for the pirouettes at the end ;-)
AlphaAstraAqua
best guitar solo of the last twenty years if not ever.....
StormSim
That guitarist... is a... machine :-)
099RB
Tremendous solo...Excellence!