EMPRESS - Premonition (Album Review)

Release date: July 24^th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: Cassette/CD/DD

Premonition – Tracklisting

1.A Pale Wanderer

2.Sepulchre

3.Passage

4.Trost

5.Hiraeth

6.Premonition

7.Lion's Blood

Members

Peter Sacco: Guitars/vox

Brenden Gunn: Bass

Chris Doyle: Drums

Review

Premonition is the debut full length album from Canadian Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metallers – EMPRESS – who released their debut EP Reminiscence back in 2018. The band sadly lost bassist Brenden Gunn last year and this album is a fitting tribute to Brenden’s legacy not only for the band but also Brenden’s family and friends.

The album is a more grown-up offering compared to their debut album as they deal with some deeply haunting and emotional themes on the album and it’s quite a dark, rich and varied journey that will surprise people in many ways. The band are perhaps more musically aligned to the earlier sounds of ELDER, Mastodon and Baroness though still standing tall on their own musical endeavours.

Opening song – A Pale Wanderer – offers eight minutes of Post-Doom grooves that branch out into different elements of Sludge Metal, Post-Metal, Psychedelic Rock and Stoner Metal with a YOB-esque influence running deep within the lyrical content. The vocals are some of the best I’ve heard this year with Peter showing a sense of maturity beyond his years with harsh growls, clean vocals and almost ethereal chants that show you EMPRESS are quite a force to be reckoned with. Even so early on with the opening song.

Second song – Sepulchre – was released as single earlier this year and I was lucky enough to premiere the song and showed me how different EMPRESS had become from their acclaimed debut EP. This song is more of a Hard-Edged Progressive Stoner Rock/Metal song with the band showing they know how to write a kick-ass song packed full of violent energy that oozes confidence. The song lasts under 5 minutes but EMPRESS show a real flair of playing a more standard Sludge/Stoner Metal song.

Third song – Passage – is another stylistic change with the band playing a more laid-back style of music with lush psychedelic grooves directing the action before the song changes into a more threatening style of “DOOM” based atmosphere. The progressive guitars are quite familiar in places and I’m reminded of TORCHE but when the harsh vocals kick-in, EMPRESS become EMPRESS again for some epic riffs being played for good measure.

There are 7 songs on offer here and I don’t want to spoil the hidden surprises and emotional depths that EMPRESS have created for the 2^nd half of the album and that’s is where perhaps the album truly shines and stands out from the Post-Metal/Sludge/Stoner Metal crowd. As EMPRESS focus more on lyrical content and allowing the whole flow of the album to build up at a natural pace. There are still fantastic heavy riffs spliced throughout the album but it’s the lyrics and vocals that make this album ultimately work.

The standout songs from the 2^nd half of the album have to be: Hiraeth, Premonition and Lion’s Blood – as this is where everything comes together and pays off big time for the band. Everything sounds fresh and original which is also helped by top-notch production the album holds from start to finish.

There were a few moments on this album that connected with myself emotionally and I was thinking about close friends and family members that I’ve lost over the last few years. So that was an unexpected thing for myself to go through whilst listening to this album.

Premonition is a deeply satisfying and superbly made album that allows it to be an Album Of The Year contender for myself personally and I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens elsewhere for other folks as well.

Do yourself a favour and check this epic and brilliant album out when you get the chance.

You won’t be sorry...

Words by Steve Howe

Premonition will be available to buy on Cassette/CD/DD from July 24th 2020

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Linktree

An Interview With EMPRESS

I first became aware of Progressive Sludge/Stoner Metallers – EMPRESS – back in 2018 when I first heard and reviewed their debut EP – Reminiscence. The band released a stylish take on all things Progressive Metal, Sludge Metal, Doom Metal, Stoner Metal with heavy Psychedelic influences. Perhaps taking influence from ELDER, BARONESS and MASTODON on their debut EP, the band showed a lot promise and I wanted to hear more.

EMPRESS suffered a personal loss when bassist Brenden Gunn sadly passed away last year. I was saddened by the news as I talked to Brenden through Social Media multiple times and he was a lovely person and very down to earth. 

I wondered how EMPRESS would carry on and I was surprised to receive their debut full length album – Premonition – recently. I listened to the album straightaway and was blown away by how different the band sounded compared to their debut EP. This was a band with a more original and mature sound of their own. Emotionally charged lyrics and powerful grooves that made you think what you were actually listening to. 

Premonition is a wonderful album and I’ll be reviewing it soon.

I caught up with Chris (Drums) and Peter (Guitar/Vocals) to discuss the evolution of EMPRESS and the making of their new album.

Hi Guys. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you today.

Not only good my friend, but good enough.

Before we talk about your new album, I want to say that I was deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden loss of Brenden Gunn last year. I was a huge fan of Brenden’s work and I’ll miss his undeniable talent and spirit. I offer my belated condolences not only to EMPRESS but to Brenden’s family and friends.

Thank you for saying that.

For people not in the know. Can you give a brief history of how the band came together and where it is today.

This band started when Chris and I drove down to Seattle to see Elder play. During the show we looked at each other and said, “Let’s do that”. Chris asked Brenden to play bass and that’s it. All three of us were good friends for many years prior. Today we have a brief idea of the next steps we want to take and go from there. Currently we want to release the album we made together which is dedicated to Brenden and meant to celebrate his life. 

How would you describe your own sound. As you guys sound quite different compared to your 2018 debut release Reminiscence

We agree with you on how different we sound since then and that was the intention. For years we were trying to find our sound and we feel that this release is the start of that sound we want to create. Oddly enough, a lot of what you hear on the new album was written during that time. While releasing other material we still worked on this full-length.

We are here to talk about your superb new album – Premonition – which I will admit is a wonderful and deeply emotional album with it’s fair share of dark moments and uplifting moments as well. What can people expect from the album.

Thank you again. This is the heaviest thing we have done. It is the most dynamic as well. The lyrics are more cryptic purposely to invoke an emotional response because of what the songs are about, which is mental health.

We cover a lot of ground in 48 minutes. The most riffing we have ever done. The most risk, song wise. The biggest statement we have made.

Peter, reading the PR notes that came with the promo, it states you drew on a lot of personal experiences on making this record. Was that a hard thing for you to when making the album or was part of your own personal therapeutic process.

Each release we have done has been a whole overlapping story. Each one has been therapeutic in a different way.

This one I saved for the full-length album because it needs to be the biggest statement. The best riffs, the best ideas and the best lyrics we have. Was it hard to write? Absolutely. All of our music was for me. This time around we had years of practice at it. I am relieved that I got it out of my system.

Chris – What were your experiences making this album. Did you draw on your own personal experiences yourself when making this album?

We had more time to work on this album than anything we released previously. Our first record was intended to be a demo to get the ideas down before I moved to Europe so we wouldn't forget the songs. But we ended up really liking them when they came back after mixing. The follow-up split album we did with our friends in Piece was recorded fairly soon after we decided to do the split as the songs were written already. With this album we really had time to flesh things out. There were many new ideas thrown around, some of which didn’t make it on the album.

Did Brenden play Bass on Premonition and did he get the chance to hear the final version of the album. 

Yes, he played bass on it. Yes, he heard the final version. So has his family.

What do Brenden’s family and friends think of the record. As the album is quite an emotional experience. I won’t lie that it made myself shed a tear or two remembering about close family and friends who are no longer here. Which I ultimately thank EMPRESS for.

His mother and brother are proud of him. Then and now. It is clear his family and friends, including us, all feel the same way. We played Brenden’s favorite song that we made which is one this album. The reaction of almost 200 people was enough for us to know how people feel about hearing it.

Who is releasing the album and what formats is the album being released upon.

It is a self-release and we have two songs currently out on all formats everywhere. It comes out on July 24th on all digital formats—YouTube, Bandcamp. Physicals are CD and Cassette.

Are there any plans for a Vinyl Release in the future.

There are plans for a vinyl release at some point. Since it is a self-release and we have to release it in steps. Vinyl is quite expensive and we need enough support to do it first.

What comes first when recording new music. Lyrics or Music.

Music. Lyrics are always being written and the music needs to be there for context.

COVID-19 has pretty much put a stop to all life as we know it for the time being. How big of an impact has it affected you guys. And how are you surviving in this stressful time.

We are surviving like everyone else. Not being able to perform how we want hurts. But that doesn’t mean we cannot keep making new music and content. So that is what we will do.

When this whole COVID-19 scenario settles down or goes away, What are the future plans for EMPRESS. Will you be touring Stateside or doing a bigger tour of Europe. As you toured Germany not so long ago.

Our plan for 2020 was the U.S. For 2021, we will remain open to offers anywhere.

How was your experiences touring in Germany. 

It was a dream come true for all of us. Chris was there for a year actually, so he was the reason for us being able to go to Germany. For any band wanting to go there, it is worth it. Germany funds the arts like it needs to be and other countries should take note. The shows we played, big or small, we were simply grateful for even being there.

The album cover is awesome and shows you what to expect with this album. Who designed the cover and how much input did you have into the overall design of the cover.

Orion Landau did the initial artwork. Robin Harris did the art direction and layout afterward. The artwork was a long process and it was absolutely worth it. Working with both of them was awesome. They are both artists and wanted our input, so it felt like a collaboration with both of them rather than a hired gun scenario.

What have been your favourite records that you’ve heard this year. Regardless of any genre.

Peter — My favorite record to listen to this year has to be the latest from Brutus, Chapel of Disease, Bölzer, Tool, Heilung, Wardruna, Holy Fawn, Myrkur, Gunship, Andrew Judah, Chve, Amenra, Colter Wall and Wayfarer. It is hard to narrow down the list. As soon as I heard any of these though I could feel that in my chest. 

Chris — After Hours from The Weeknd, Blood Machines from Carpenter Brut, and Saturnine and Iron Jaw and 1x1 from All Them Witches. 

What is your musical equipment setup when playing live or recording in the studio. Do you have an an advanced rig or basic rig. (You can tell I’m not much of a musician. HA HA).

Peter — Dunable Guitar, Orange cabs Peavey 6505 head and my pedalboard. Both are used live and in the studio in the same way. In the studio we played live together to a click. The energy we have together needs to be there before doing anything else.

Chris — Currently playing a stainless steel Ludwig kit from the 70's which I am in love with. Zildjian cymbals and DW hardware. Los Cabos sticks. Studio and live is the same. 

In the studio Brenden used Ampeg svt Classic, Darkglass b7k ultra v2. Ibanez bass, Fender Jazz Bass, Bass Wah, Boss space echo, EHX phaser, Fulltone OCD and a clone od pedal.

Thanks for doing this interview. Before you go, do you have any words of wisdom that you want to say to your fans.

The point of our music is to empower people that do not feel empowered. Whoever that may be. After this album is out, more will come. Be ready.

Words by Steve Howe and EMPRESS

Thanks to EMPRESS for doing this interview. Premonition will be available to buy on Cassette/CD/DD from July 24th 2020.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Linktree

Empress - Sepulchre (Single Review)

Release date: April 24th 2020. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Sepulchre - Tracklisting

Sepulchre

Review

Sepulchre is the new single from Canadian Sludge/Stoner/Post-Metallers – EMPRESS – who are releasing this single on 24^th April in remembrance and in tribute to their former band member – Brenden Gunn – who sadly passed away in October 2019.

Empress say this about the new song- “To celebrate the Birthday of Brenden Gunn on April 24th. Brenden passed away October 2019, he helped shaped this band and we miss him dearly. From the coming full length album due later this year.

Sepulchre is the new song from their upcoming full length album which will be released later this year and it’s a great way to honour Brenden’s memory with a furious slice of Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metal aggression that sees the band move away from the sound they created on their 2018 debut release – Reminiscence.

That EP was more of a band finding their own sound whilst taking influence from acts such as ELDER, Mastodon and Baroness whilst allowing Empress to stand on their own merits and convictions with some epic Progressive sounds along the way.

Sepulchre is almost 5 minutes of finely tuned Psychedelic Doom/Sludge/Stoner Riffs that is the best song that I’ve heard from the guys. Ultra-tight guitars providing grizzled riffs that even manage to add a Thrash atmosphere in the early stages before settling down for an almost classic 90s Stoner Metal groove. 

Empress are firing on all cylinders on this song and this is the perfect tribute to honour Brenden’s memory with. As the song is fast-paced and contains a few surprises along the way especially with the more Ambient Sonic Projectory Empress employ towards the later stages of the song.

If this is the signs of things to come for the forthcoming full length album then Empress could have a real major surprise for us all when it’s finally released upon the world.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

EMPRESS and PIECE Announce Joint German Tour

Canadian Progressive Sludge Rockers EMPRESS are making the bold move of doing a joint tour in Germany with Sludge/Stoner Metallers PIECE.

The tour is in support of both bands upcoming split album release which is being released in November 2018. I've heard this split album recently and it's loud and ferocious as hell.

If you're a fan of bands such as High On Fire, Mastodon and Baroness then the upcoming album and tour will be something special.

You can check the dates below:

Empress Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Piece Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Empress - Reminiscence (EP Review)

Release date: February 12th 2018. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Reminiscence – Tracklisting

1.The Offering

2.Immer

3.Baptizer

4.They Speak Like Trees

5.Dawn

Members

Peter Sacco: Guitars/vox

Brenden Gunn: Bass

Chris Doyle: Drums

Review

Empress is a new Sludge/Doom Power Trio who takes influence from bands such as CONAN, Pelican and early-Baroness. Their debut EP, Reminiscence has its fair share of loud sludgy moments and post-rock interludes with the band always evolving their sound on the EP.

Opening track - The Offering, is a psychedelic little number with Empress playing a full on Sludge Rock/Doom Metal track. This has an early Baroness style aggressive melody before the post-hardcore sounds merge as one with the hardcore growls with lead singer, Peter staying mightily angry throughout. The music is quite complex and groove based at times. You wouldn't think from this opening track that the band would adopt a more Post-Rock/Post-Metal sound.

Second track - Immer - is the first of two epic tracks with this song running over eight minutes. This song has Empress play an upbeat psychedelic post-rock/stoner/sludgy sound with a ferocious vibe that allows Empress to control the aggression of the music more naturally. There are subtle hints held within the song in what musical direction Empress takes on the second half of the song. The bluntness and aggression we've heard so far is replaced by a more ambient, uplifting and post-rock atmosphere. The vocals remain harsh but it's the music that's the most impressive. A daring style of Post-Rock and gloomy Sludge Rock/Metal sound leave you wanting more.

Third track - Baptize - opens with punk sounding bass lines before Empress return with a harsh and heavy doom metal offering. It's a more direct song with the music perhaps offering the heaviest parts on the EP and that is despite the short running time of less than three minutes.

Fourth track - They Speak Like Trees - is the second epic song and perhaps the best song on the EP. Empress starts to assure themselves more confidently. The music and vocals have a more world-weary feel with the Post-Metal/Sludge Metal dynamic working together than against each other. The band plays a more lucid style of psychedelic music at times. The whole mood of the song can be very chaotic but Empress manages to impress with their progressive and experimental style of Sludge/Doom/Post-Metal sounds.

The final song - Dawn - is more an ambient post-rock song with Empress leaving the heavy sounds behind and creating a lush psychedelic dream-like atmosphere. Reminiscence is a welcome distraction from the normal Sludge/Post-Metal bands out there. As Empress create individual songs with their own identities to each other.

The EP can be brutally loud at times but also superbly reflective and quiet as heard on the final song. I expect we haven't heard or witnessed the full range of sounds that Empress actually possesses. It may take a few more releases such as another EP or full length album before we begin to see the "real" Empress.

Until then, Reminiscence remains a beautifully played and violent delight with enough Sludge/Post-Metal riffs to keep you superbly entertained for a long time to come.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Peter from the band for the promo. Reminiscence is available to buy on DD from February 12^th 2018.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp