Empire Drowns is not a new name for followers of
the Danish underground. Built from members of Withering
Surface, Urkraft, Meridian, Thorium and
others, the group unites musicians with long experience in extreme metal.
“Endless Nights” is their first major statement under the Empire Drowns banner, a release through Mighty Music that puts them firmly on the
international map.
The album
was recorded by Marco Angioni at Angioni Studios and mixed/mastered by Tue Madsen at Antfarm,
names already known in European metal circles thanks to their work with Moonspell, The Haunted
and Baest. With this team behind it,
the sound of “Endless Nights” comes across with precision, depth and a dark
presence that supports the dramatic atmosphere of the songs.
Across nine
tracks, Empire Drowns crafts music that is
at once melodic and crushing. The vocals of Michael
Hvolgaard Andersen move between cavernous growls and dramatic spoken
passages, while Thomas Birk’s guitars supply
heavy riffs and mournful leads. Anders Ro Nielsen’s
keyboards add a spectral layer that deepens the atmosphere, and the rhythm
section of Angioni and Kim Jørgensen gives the songs their force and
forward drive.
Empire
Drowns are not only inspired by the grey skies of Scandinavia. They also
channel experiences from East Africa, where the extremes of nature, culture and
struggle provide contrast and intensity. This dual origin gives the music a
broad emotional horizon, one that moves between despair, resilience and beauty.
“Endless
Nights” is a strong introduction to a band that is serious about their future.
With live shows scheduled for 2026, Empire Drowns aims
to carry this atmosphere onto the stage and build a reputation not just on album
but also in direct contact with their audience. For listeners of Paradise Lost, My
Dying Bride, Anathema and Katatonia, this is a release worth attention.
Score: 7.5
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