THE COURSE OF EMPIRE
Mr. Hunter’s second cd “The Course of Empire” is a theme album that shares one of the most important stories ever told. It brings to life the concept of empire that has existed throughout history and continues to repeat, while speaking to the classic balance of power between the laws of the universe and the nature of mankind.
The Course of Empire offers a premonition of our future while also reminding the audience about the cyclicality of Empire, and how we always have the choice to return to what once was great and could be again. Shared in a format that is reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” but as if told by Ron Paul and Ayn Rand, the album tells a story that covers power and greed, politics and money, liberty and freedom, and the quest to find love for all mankind and nature.
The title and theme of the album are based on the artwork of Thomas Cole’s historic “The Course of Empire” series of paintings that brought to life his vision of the world as he saw it over 180 years ago. Between 1833-1836 Cole created a five-panel series of paintings that cast into separate stages the different courses of empire. He titled them “The Savage State”, “Arcadia”, “Consummation”, “Destruction”, and “Desolation,” and Mr. Hunter’s album allows the listener to hear each painting in addition to seeing them. Using the power of groove and the language of Music, Mr. Hunter keeps alive this important message that needed to be shared.
Newscaster John Stossel and former MTV VJ Kennedy once asked why artists no longer supported the ideals of freedom and liberty. Mr. Hunter’s “The Course of Empire” serves as evidence that this void has been filled. The band offers a vision of a return to the land of Arcadia, reminiscent of the Atlantis that Rand so vividly described in her epic novel “Atlas Shrugged.” The ending of “The Course of Empire” reminds the audience that no matter what occurs, history is a reminder of the ability to rebuild and regroup. Mr. Hunter has begun the construction of an Arc to this great land of Arcadia that exists deep within our souls and longs to be freed and expressed. The band is excited to share “The Course of Empire” with the world and has saved a spot for all who want to join them on this journey.
The debut live performance of the album that has already inspired the band’s fans and alerted the world of what’s to come! It’s a reminder that each challenge brings a seed of equivalent advantage and Mr. Hunter’s “The Course of Empire” provides hope and inspiration to all who are ready to believe that courage is needed most when facing great adversity.
I was especially excited to hear the premier of their new album, The Course of Empire, which is based on series of paintings of the same name, created by Thomas Cole in the early 1800s. The premier of The Course of Empire did not disappoint. I was blown away by the not only the theme of the album, but also the lyrics, and the musicianship.
I love the entire Course of Empire album. I saw you perform it live at PorcFest and listened to the album at least three times on my drive back to Ontario. I love listening to the album in its entirety so it’s become my favourite road trip CD!
-Dean Harris
And even though the album is not yet available to the public, the band wanted to share a taste of the sound of the vision. We hope you enjoy!
Mr. Hunter_The Course of Empire – Savage State
THE SAVAGE STATE
In the first panel titled “The Savage State,” Cole depicts the native discovery phase of man. The primitive man hunts for dinner with his crossbow while wildlife roams around him. He knows that his success or failure is dependent upon his own thoughts and actions.
The vibrancy of the sky is a reflection of his life as an explorer, and victory is not assured. The horizon tells the story as the smoke and clouds recede to lift the curtain on a new society made possible by his work.
ARCADIA
Arcadia is the peak stage of civilization. It’s important to remember that life was not designed to be free of challenges, but rather that we can use them to our own benefit depending on how we channel our energy. It’s hard to achieve our potential until we believe in what’s possible and Cole’s Arcadia serves as an inspiration of what was and could be again. Arcadia was never meant to represent perfection, but rather it is a symbol of a healthy mind that is free to follow its own potential.
CONSUMMATION
Consummation is the turning point where the empire begins to lose its way. The towers and marble palaces have replaced the beauty of Arcadia and remind us of a familiar story that has been repeated throughout history.
At the end of Consummation the audience is left with a moment of clarity and decision. It’s not too late to turn back to Arcadia, but a conscious decision is required.
DESTRUCTION
In Destruction Cole paints the eye of the storm. There is a clearness to the sky, yet at the same time the air speaks of what everyone knows but has tried to avoid. The emperor is now being revealed as being naked and the warning signs have been ignored. The bridge has been burned and now we can’t turn back. The completion of Destruction is a jarringingly loud sound of silence.
DESOLATION
Desolation represents the aftermath of Destruction. There is a sadness to the painting yet it still offers a choice. The audience is left with a choice to consider this as the final destination or to notice that the cycle repeats and consider a return to Arcadia.
Mr. Hunter has chosen the latter and has already begun construction of an arc to this great land. We are excited to have found you and we invite you to join us.