3) The Empire Strikes Back’s ice planet inspires band name

One of our favorite unsigned acts from a few years ago was from Seattle-based duo Hoth. The project’s sophomore album, Oathbreaker, was really excellent progressive metal, and while the band claim that they took their name not just from the ice planet in Empire but from the brother of the Norse god Baldr, it’s hard to deny that their awesome logo, which looks like a Tie Fighter, is anything but Star Wars-inspired.

2) Samus Paulicelli farts the Imperial March

It’d be hard to call this a fitting tribute to Carrie Fisher (maybe a shitting tribute?), but it’s hard to deny that Decrepit Birth drummer Samus Paulicelli has a talented ass. Paulicelli was able to fart  the Imperial March. John Williams would probably not be proud at all. Given that Decrepit Birth’s last album came out in 2010, it’s time Paulicelli got his ass back in the studio.

1) Galactic Empire forms, releases great video, tours

Last year, just in time for The Force Awakens, we were treated to Galactic Empire. The band which features Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland from Pennsylvania’s Atrium Audio (who have produced August Burns Red and Rivers of Nihil) and members of Alustrium, made a high quality video that sounded as good as it looked. They’re not just a one-trick pony, however. They signed to Rise Records, and their debut album will be out in February. In addition, they’re actually touring, with their first live show ever taking place tonight. Granted, their costumes look a little less like the originals now, but that’s likely a licensing thing, but a fitting way to see Princess Leia off would be to check look into these guys.