Galactic Empire

Galactic Empire plays Off Broadway Music Venue on Tuesday, October 27, bringing their particular take on the Star Wars universe to St. Louis. If you've never come across them, they're a heavy metal band that performs music inspired by the Star Wars franchise, with the members appearing in costume as Imperial officers and stormtroopers. It's a concept that works as well as a joke—they take the source material seriously, playing the themes and scores with the full weight of a metal band behind them.

Since they're a tribute act, the whole thing is built around the music of John Williams. You'll recognize the melodies from the films, but they're reworked with distorted guitars, driving drums, and the kind of energy you'd expect from a metal show. It's a specific kind of crossover—the cinematic scale of the original scores meeting the volume and grit of a live band. If you're a fan of the movies, you'll know exactly where the songs are coming from; if you just like metal, there's plenty to get into regardless.

It's a Tuesday night show, so it's a bit of a mid-week outing. Doors open at 6 PM, and the show starts at 7 PM, which gives you plenty of time to get in and settle before they take the stage. The venue is Off Broadway Music Venue here in St. Louis, and the date is Tuesday, October 27.