Spear Of Destiny - Imperial Prototype

Imperial Prototype is the eleventh studio album by British post-punk and alternative rock band Spear of Destiny, released on 5 November 2007 through frontman Kirk Brandon's independent label, Eastersnow Recording Company. The record is highly regarded by fans for featuring a powerhouse "supergroup" lineup of veteran musicians from the UK alternative scene, including bassist Craig Adams (The Sisters of Mercy/The Mission), guitarist Adrian Portas (New Model Army), keyboardist Steve Alan Jones (The Alarm), and drummer Robin Goodridge (Bush). Initially distributed directly to fans via the band's official mailing list and live show merchandise tables, the 11-track album captures an urgent, raw energy with standout tracks like "Berlin Berlin," "Santa Clause," and Brandon's personal favourite, "Death in the Mountains."

Chronologically bridging the gap between the band's 2005 release Loadestone and 2010's Omega Point, the album represents a distinct era of self-sufficiency and creative freedom for the group. Despite early intentions from the band to launch the record on mainstream digital streaming services like iTunes, Imperial Prototype never received an official digital release. As a result, it remains a rare, highly sought-after physical gem within Spear of Destiny's extensive post-millennium discography, celebrated for its driving rock instrumentation and Brandon's characteristically intense, dramatic vocal delivery.

Released in November 2007 through Kirk Brandon’s independent Eastersnow label, Imperial Prototype stands as a fierce, late-career triumph in the Spear of Destiny catalog. This eleventh studio album captures a band operating entirely on its own terms, far removed from the constraints of major label expectations that defined their 1980s commercial peak. By relying on direct-to-fan distribution via mail orders and merchandise tables, the release channels a fiercely independent spirit. This DIY approach perfectly mirrors the raw, unfiltered sonic urgency found across its eleven tracks.

The primary catalyst for the album's success is its formidable "supergroup" lineup, which injects a massive wave of adrenaline into Brandon's songwriting. The rhythm section is locked in heavily, driven by the thunderous bass of Craig Adams (The Sisters of Mercy, The Mission) and the precise, muscular drumming of Robin Goodridge (Bush). This rhythm section provides a concrete foundation for Adrian Portas’s (New Model Army) slashing guitar work and Steve Alan Jones's (The Alarm) atmospheric keyboards. Together, they create a dark, driving alternative rock soundscape that honors the band's post-punk roots while sounding entirely contemporary.

Lyrically and vocally, Kirk Brandon remains a captivating, dramatic focal point. His signature operatic vibrato is weathered but remarkably powerful, delivery stories of historical weight, political disillusionment, and personal reflection. Tracks like the driving "Berlin Berlin" and the nostalgic "'79" showcase his enduring ability to write anthemic hooks with a sharp, cynical edge. Meanwhile, deeper cuts like "Death in the Mountains"—Brandon's personal favourite track—reveal a more cinematic and hauntingly atmospheric side to the band's musical identity.

Because the record never received a wide digital streaming release, Imperial Prototype has developed a well-deserved mystique as a lost classic of modern UK alternative rock. It is a vital, uncompromising bridge between the band's mid-2000s output and their later works, proving that Spear of Destiny never lost their creative spark or political edge. For the dedicated listener who tracks down a physical copy, the album rewards them with an intense, beautifully performed collection of songs that ranks among the strongest of Brandon's post-millennium output.

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1. Santa Clause

2. Berlin Berlin

3. Lock & Key

4. '79

5. Donkey Ride

6. Death in the Mountains 

7. Bizarre Personality

8. Wake of a Ship

9. Thoughts of an Imperial Prototype

10. Tupelo Prince

11. Treachery