EMPYRIA Current Line-up: Mike Kischnick (Guitar/Synth), Phil Leite (Vocals), John Buck (Bass) & Scott Gamble (Drums), Steve Bifford(Guitars).
EMPYRIA followed the traditional path of gigs and demos refining their craft until a pro-demo was released in 1993 called “Ornamental Ironworks”.
By 1994/95 they gained the assistance of manager Dustin Hardman ( Kamelot / Oppressor) who secured the band with its first official release in 1996 “Behind Closed Doors” ( 8/10 in The Collectors Guide to Heavy Metal) on T&T a subsidiary of NOISE Records. In 1997 Paul Falcon left the band and was soon replaced by vocalist Phil Leite and bassist Ken Firomski.
The 2nd cd “Changing Currents” (10/12 Heavy Oder Was?!) was released independently with distribution from Nightmare Records, & Scrape Records and over the next 2 years the band grew in popularity appearing on 3 compilation discs. The result of hard work paid off when in 2000 they released their 3rd cd "The Legacy" on the U.S. label Nightmare Records run by Lance King of (Avian/Balance of Power etc...) receiving excellent press worldwide. ( 8.5/10 Strutter magazine, 8.5/10 Rokk Faqtory, 8/10 BW&BK) “The Legacy” was in a sense an EP that put together part I-III of The Lighter Sides of Darkness with a new 4th chapter The Legacy (Of Final Darkness) as a 25 minute epic. The disc also contained a unique cover of the Police's Synchronicity II. 2001 saw the band appear on yet another compilation West Coast Metal Feast produced by the Vancouver metal store SCRAPE RECORDS and opening for acts like Sabaton, Nickleback, Warrel Dane & Firewind. 2002 saw the return of EMPYRIA yet again with a new full length album called “Sense of Mind” released by Scrape Records considered to by many to be the bands best release to date. (4/5 Euphony magazine., 8.5/10 Strutter magazine., 8/10 Musica magazine.)
It's was almost 7 years (due to Mike's commitments with THOR ( 5 albums & 2 tours) but finally a 5th “NEW” studio release “The Long Road Home” was released in 2009. 11 Progressive Hard Rock/Metal tracks with new drummer Scott Gamble, Mike Kischnick (Guitars/synth), Phil Leite and the reuniting of original bassist/vocalist Paul Falcon. “The Long Road Home” is a musical journey reflecting their earlier prog. influences in the bands melodic progression and distinct sound, opening the door to a wider audience and always staying true to themselves musically.
A New Single "The Sheltering ( 2011 A.D.)" was released July 1 (CANADA DAY) 2011 with long time bassist Ken Firomski.
For more info: “The A-Z Of Power Metal” & “The Collectors Guide To Heavy Metal”.