Judicator is a US Power Metal band formed by Tony Cordisco (Project: Roenwolfe, Sedulity) and John Yelland (Disforia) in 2012 not long after the two previously met at a Blind Guardian concert. The debut album “King of Rome” was released on October 30th, 2012, showcasing a plethora of old school speed and power metal riffs, and Blind Guardian infused vocal attacks. The album’s concept followed the final days of Napoleon Bonaparte’s last campaign, leading up to his eventual defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
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After a number of affirming underground reviews and humbling fan reaction, John and Tony decided the band would be more than just a one album project set on paying homage to their favorite bands, and quickly began working on the follow up “Sleepy Plessow”. The album was released less than 7 months later in June of 2013. The sophomore effort showed a departure from the speed and riff obsessed nature of ‘King of Rome” and focused more heavily on atmosphere, melody, slower tempos, more complex vocal arrangements, tighter production, and bigger overall concept. The album also brought in numerous guest vocalist from friend’s and underground bands alike in order to portray the various characters and soundscapes needed for the album. The story of Frederick the Great of Prussia showed the band progressing into a more mature territory that showcased their own identity more, without sacrificing the riffs, aggression, and speed loving nature that had brought the band together.
Feeling that ‘Sleepy Plessow’ had demonstrated the improvement they wanted over the first album, John and Tony decided it was time to begin work on a third, and change the nature of the band to reflect a more a traditional setup and help progress the band’s material to a more professional level. The now full band, finished with home recording and drum machines, is currently working on recording the followup to the sophomore album, titled “At the Expense of Humanity” — AtEoH will be recorded in Summer of 2014, and released in early 2015. Judicator’s third album plans to drop the historical lyrics and opt for a different, more personal type of concept album. “At the Expense of Humanity” is an existential and philosophically driven concept album that takes an introspective look at loss of a loved one, the effects on family, and the often frightening moments that can shape and define a young person for the rest of their life as a result. Musically, the album continues the melody and traditionally driven approach of ‘Sleepy Plessow’ but also injects some progressive and technical elements from genres outside of Power Metal.