Photo Gallery: Galactic Empire / The Antarctican @ Empire Underground, 10/14/2023

Fans dressed in their “Star Wars best” lined up outside Empire Underground. From Han Solo and Chewbacca costumes to Princess Leah buns, it was apparent this wasn’t just any metal show. Opening for the main event was the local band, The Antarctican. True to the showman they are, and much to the audience’s delight, the band entered the stage wearing Star Trek shirts while the bassist wore LED sunglasses. Their music was a unique mix of power and groove-heavy metal. During the performance, blow-up lightsabers were thrown into the crowd, along with a Startrek ship model.  Personally, their vocalist truly impressed me with a voice that reminded me of Iron Maiden. I highly recommend checking them out.

“You are witness to the Empire’s ultimate song weapon and prepare for the complete annihilation of your eardrums.” Announced lead guitarist Lord Sikh as the crowd cheered, readying their lightsabers (and there were many). After a metal rendition of the 20th-century Fox fanfare followed by the Star Wars main theme, the band continued the show with covers of the Imperial March, Cantina Band, and The Mandalorian. In between songs, the band conversed back and forth about what should be played next and took down a fan from the crowd with The Force for being a traitor to the Empire. “And… he’s dead.” Lord Sikh informed the cheering crowd before launching into their next song. The show ended with a metal rendition of The Throne Room: End Title before the band returned to treat the crowd to an encore of theme songs from Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones. Metalhead or not, any Star Wars fan should add seeing Galactic Empire to their bucket list.

Photo Gallery of Galactic Empire by Hilary Crannage

Photo Gallery of The Antarctican by Hilary Crannage