Copenhagen-based heavy rock band Empath have released a visualizer for their new single “Only The Dead,” the second track shared from their upcoming self-titled debut album, due via Indisciplinarian.
The song follows the previously released single “Lyca’s Lost” and addresses the ongoing consequences of war and humanity’s failure to learn from past conflicts.
“‘Only the Dead’ is an anti-war song,” vocalist Morten Grønnegaard explained. “The chorus line, ‘Only the dead have seen the end of the fury of men,’ states the fact that the tragedy of war has always been, and always will be, an unbearable burden on humanity.”
He continued, “Even though we have lived through several generation-killing conflicts in the past, we have learned nothing. The fury of hatred, greed, and ignorance lurks just beneath the surface to this present day.”
The accompanying visualizer was created by Grønnegaard.
Empath features Grønnegaard and guitarist Jacob Krogholt, who previously performed together in the metal band Rising. They are joined on the album by bassist KB Larsen, whose credits include Volbeat and Anti Ritual, and drummer Jeppe Munk Aakeson of Knytnæve and Iota.
The band’s eight-track debut runs approximately 38 minutes and draws from progressive, psychedelic and heavy rock and metal influences of the 1970s and 1980s. Its lyrics explore themes of human ambition, social inequality, climate change and conflict, with inspiration from science fiction and literature.
The album was produced by Larsen and the band, with mastering handled by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege. Grønnegaard also created the cover artwork.
Empath will be available digitally and on two limited vinyl variants, with 100 copies each pressed on transparent blue and black vinyl.
The band will make its live debut on December 11 at A Colossal Kind Of X-mas at Hotel Cecil in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Watch the visualizer for “Only The Dead” below.
Photo by Martin Goltermann
