EMPYRE

Finally! I get to see Empyre play live. I’ve been a fan of the band and their music for quite some time and seeing them perform has been long overdue.

So, who are they? Well, they hail from Northampton, U.K. and formed in 2016. The current lineup is Henrik Steenholdt (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Did Coles (Lead Guitar), Grant Hockley (Bass) and Elliot Bale (Drums).

Their website describes Empyre‘s music as “intense, atmospheric rock with a dark introspective edge to the writing” and I can’t argue with that! In the words of BBC Introducing “ their music ranges from triumphant, chest beating rock to more subtle but just as arresting numbers inviting you to do the deepest of soul searching” and I can’t argue with that either!

To date the band has released two three track E.P.s, E.P.1 and Something Remains. Two songs from each were in the set tonight and I believe all will appear on their forthcoming album.

The set began with “Drive”, the first track on E.P.1, which opens with a dark catchy riff that immediately draws you in and reminds me a little of the legendary band Cream. Then Henrik’s gritty and bluesy vocals comes in, and hey presto, you have a full blown in your face rock song that has both my feet tapping and my attention. A great opener but I’m guessing that in a longer set it would be lower in the order due to its ideal chorus perfectly made for audience participation.

This was followed by “Too Close”, another superb tune and a track from the forthcoming album. To this listener’s ear, a more complex composition than “Drive” and a great vehicle for Henrik’s husky voice.

Next up also from E.P.1  “Just A Ride”, a bluesy offering with, dare I say, a bit of a jazz feel about it: Brand X without the pretension?

“Only Way Out” , the opening track off Something Remains and probably my favorite song of the night, ensued. Henrik’s hauntenly soaring vocals had the hairs on the back my neck tingling. A great song that constantly builds throughout its almost six minute length. Some nice guitar from Henrik on this one as he carries the lead for the most part with Did taking over towards the end.

“My Bad” and “Too Little Too Late” two more tunes from the afore mentioned album followed with “Too Little Too Late” sporting some superb heavy riffing.

Empyre‘s penultimate song was the riff laden and foot stomping “Something Remains”. The band finished their roughly forty minute eight song set with a heavy dose of “New Republic”, another offering from the new album. It left me wanting more.

Empyre is good-bloody good. From their first chord to the last ring of their cymbal they prove to be highly accomplished musicians. If light three minute pop songs is your thing you would surely be disappointed. If on the other hand you like your music polished with a dirty and dark edge then Empyre is definitely for you.

Led Zeppelin has “Kashmir”. Ted Nugent has “Stranglehold”. Robin Trower has “Too Rolling Stoned”. Empyre has a seven minute flesh tingling epic called “Homegrown” which was sadly not in tonight’s show. I have to mention it as this was the song that hooked me. Right up there for me. Check it out on YouTube where there is an electric and a wonderful acoustic version.

It’s hard out there for bands. Sub-standard “talent shows” and manufactured pop doesn’t help. I feel something is truly wrong if artists like Empyre don’t succeed. Hard work, creative song writing and excellent musicianship must surely count for something.

Only time will tell whether you’ll ever be lucky enough see Empyre across the pond. Don’t pass up the chance if it happens. You won’t regret it.

In the meantime the band’s eleven track L.P., Self Aware, is due to drop on July 5th in the U.K. Go buy a copy and enjoy. It’s time to join the Empyre.

Connect with Empyre

Twitter: @EmpyreRock

Facebook: @EMPYRE

Instagram: empyrerock

Website: www.empyre.co.uk

Empyre‘s music is available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube

GlassboyBob is a British music aficionado from Stourbridge. He has an eclectic taste in music ranging from rock, indie, English folk and pre 19th century classical. He is also a street team leader for @RockOnTheRise radio helping @MariaBF1 find bands suitable for airing bringing new British and European bands to a U.S. audience. GlassboyBob is also an avid fan of his local soccer team Stourbridge FC nicknamed The Glassboys after the crystal glass industry the town was once famous for. We at AMP have always appreciated GlasboyBob‘s musical taste and hope he becomes a regular contributor .

Twitter: @GlassboyBob

 

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