Description
Judicator – Let There Be Nothing – Dark Red with Black Swirl Vinyl Record
Released on July 24, 2020, Judicator’s Let There Be Nothing is a concept album that blends the grandeur of power metal with historical storytelling, showcasing the band’s signature mix of soaring melodies, intricate guitar work, and epic narratives. Known for their ability to craft powerful and intricate music, Judicator has solidified their place in the American power metal scene with this ambitious record, which delves into themes of war, loyalty, and betrayal, centered around the life of the Byzantine general Belisarius.
Let There Be Nothing marks Judicator’s fifth studio album and continues the band’s tradition of historically inspired concept albums. Following the success of The Last Emperor (2018), this album sees the band refining their sound, with an emphasis on tight songwriting, complex arrangements, and emotionally resonant lyrics. With its mix of speed, technicality, and grandeur, Let There Be Nothing stands as one of Judicator’s most polished and ambitious projects to date.
Judicator has always distinguished themselves in the power metal scene by combining their love for history with their affinity for high-energy, melodic metal. Formed in 2012 by John Yelland (vocals) and Tony Cordisco (guitar), the band quickly gained a reputation for their intricate compositions and thematic focus on historical events. Previous albums, such as At the Expense of Humanity (2015) and The Last Emperor (2018), tackled both personal and historical topics, with Let There Be Nothing continuing this tradition by focusing on the life of the 6th-century Byzantine general Flavius Belisarius.
Belisarius was one of the greatest military strategists of the Byzantine Empire, known for his loyalty to Emperor Justinian I and his campaigns to reclaim former Roman territories. Let There Be Nothing explores his complex relationship with Justinian, his triumphs on the battlefield, and the moral conflicts he faces as a general caught between duty and personal loyalty. The album’s storytelling approach allows listeners to experience these historical events through the lens of power metal’s grand, epic style.
Musically, Let There Be Nothing is a showcase of Judicator’s ability to blend the best elements of traditional power metal—catchy melodies, fast-paced riffing, and soaring vocals—with a more modern, progressive sensibility. The album is filled with intricate guitar solos, dynamic tempo shifts, and atmospheric interludes, all while maintaining the high energy and bombast that fans of the genre expect.
One of the hallmarks of Judicator’s sound is their ability to combine fast, galloping riffs with melodic leads, and Let There Be Nothing delivers this in spades. Songs like “Gloria” and “Strange to the World” feature blistering guitar work that moves effortlessly between speedy rhythms and melodic passages, capturing both the intensity of battle and the emotional weight of the story.
While the album is rooted in traditional power metal, it incorporates orchestral and atmospheric elements to create a sense of grandeur and scale. The title track “Let There Be Nothing” and “Autumn of Souls” use choirs, acoustic interludes, and dramatic crescendos to heighten the album’s emotional and epic scope.
John Yelland’s vocals are one of the standout features of the album. His soaring tenor voice delivers both the dramatic storytelling and emotional depth needed to bring the album’s historical narrative to life. Tracks like “Tomorrow’s Sun” and “The Way of a Pilgrim” feature powerful vocal harmonies and layered choral arrangements that add to the epic atmosphere of the album.
The lyrical content of Let There Be Nothing revolves around the life of General Belisarius, exploring themes of war, duty, loyalty, and betrayal. Judicator uses Belisarius’ story to explore the moral complexities faced by individuals in positions of power and responsibility.
Throughout the album, the relationship between Belisarius and Emperor Justinian I is a central theme. Songs like “The Majesty of Decay” and “Gloria” explore the tension between Belisarius’ loyalty to the emperor and the personal sacrifices he makes to fulfill his duties. The lyrics examine the cost of blind loyalty, asking whether it’s possible to remain honorable while serving corrupt or morally ambiguous leaders.
As a military leader, Belisarius is often forced to make difficult decisions that affect both his soldiers and the people he is sworn to protect. Tracks like “Autumn of Souls” and “Let There Be Nothing” reflect on the devastating impact of war and the toll it takes on both the victor and the vanquished.
Betrayal is another key theme throughout the album. Belisarius’ loyalty to Justinian is tested repeatedly, leading to moments of internal conflict as the general questions whether his faith in the emperor is justified. The title track “Let There Be Nothing” addresses the sense of isolation and moral ambiguity Belisarius faces as he navigates a world of shifting alliances and deceit.
Notable Tracks
“Let There Be Nothing”: The album’s title track is an epic, multi-layered piece that encapsulates the grand themes of the album. With its combination of galloping riffs, soaring vocals, and orchestral flourishes, the song reflects on Belisarius’ internal struggle as he grapples with his loyalty to Justinian and the heavy cost of war.
“Gloria”: One of the most dynamic tracks on the album, “Gloria” opens with a driving, melodic riff before transitioning into a more contemplative middle section. The song explores Belisarius’ glory on the battlefield, but also the personal sacrifices that come with such victories. The contrast between the fast-paced verses and the slower, atmospheric bridge creates a sense of tension and release.
“The Way of a Pilgrim”: This track offers a more reflective moment on the album, featuring acoustic guitars and slower, more melodic arrangements. The song delves into Belisarius’ inner turmoil and his desire for peace, juxtaposing his role as a general with his personal yearning for a more spiritual path.
“Strange to the World”: One of the heavier tracks on the album, “Strange to the World” features aggressive guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. The song explores the idea of isolation and alienation, as Belisarius becomes increasingly disillusioned with the world around him. The track’s intensity mirrors the internal conflict of its protagonist.
“Autumn of Souls”: A powerful, emotive track that reflects on the aftermath of war, “Autumn of Souls” balances haunting melodies with soaring choruses. The song’s orchestral elements and layered vocals give it a cinematic feel, capturing the devastation left in the wake of Belisarius’ campaigns.
Let There Be Nothing was met with widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Judicator for their ambitious storytelling and their ability to blend power metal’s energetic, melodic sound with a more progressive and emotionally resonant approach. The album was lauded for its tight musicianship, particularly the guitar work and Yelland’s commanding vocal performance.
Fans of power metal, particularly those who appreciate concept albums and historical themes, found Let There Be Nothing to be one of the standout releases of 2020. The album further solidified Judicator’s reputation as one of the leading bands in the American power metal scene, continuing their tradition of crafting complex, thought-provoking albums that resonate on both a musical and thematic level.
Let There Be Nothing is a masterclass in power metal storytelling, combining the high-energy, melodic riffs that fans of the genre love with intricate compositions and a historically rich narrative. Judicator’s ability to explore complex themes such as loyalty, honor, and the consequences of war through the lens of a historical figure like Belisarius makes this album a compelling listen for both metal enthusiasts and those who appreciate deep, narrative-driven music.
With its combination of grand, orchestral arrangements, tight musicianship, and emotionally charged lyrics, Let There Be Nothing stands as one of Judicator’s most impressive works, solidifying their place as a leading force in modern power metal.
Limited Edition of 250
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Let There Be Light
Tomorrow’s Sun
Strange To The World
Autumn Of Souls
Gloria
Amber Dusk
The Way Of A Pilgrim
Let There Be Nothing
