Empire State Bastard Drop debut Rivers of Heresy
In a world where many metal albums look and sound the same, ESB hits different.
Review by Natasha Christian.
Empire State Bastard's debut album Rivers of Heresy is an unapologetic dive into the realms of extreme metal.
Created by Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil and Mike Vennart, it’s been a hell of a journey to this release. According to ESB’s bio, the birth of this supergroup traces back to a fateful night in a Manchester cafe in 2002, where Vennart's band Oceansize and a lesser-known Biffy Clyro shared a stage and sparked a friendship and creative partnership.
Rivers of Heresy is the lovechild of 30 years of musical inspiration for Vennart and Neil. They’ve drawn from some diverse metal heavy hitters including Iron Maiden, High On Fire, Converge, Godflesh, Melvins and Deafheaven. After reading that list of influences, it was hard to know what to expect from this record. Vennart describes the band’s sound as: “the most fucking poisonous vile music I possibly could, just unabridged hatred in musical form”.
This sentiment clearly reverberates through each song, offering an experience that is nothing short of intense. One of the most intriguing aspects of this supergroup is the involvement of Dave Lombardo - Slayer, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas and former Bitch Falcon bassist Naomi Macleod.
Neil delivers a diverse vocal performance on Rivers of Heresy, adding to the album's depth and emotional range. Lyrically he delves into the frustration of a society emerging from lockdown, capturing the zeitgeist of post-pandemic emotions. Tracks like opener Harvest, immediately grab your attention with Lombardo's unmistakable drumming, Vennart’s shrill guitar work and Neil’s chaotic vocals. The brutal assault of Blusher delivers a relentless barrage of chugging riffs, and with its intensity and repeating air horn siren, I wouldn’t listen to this one when you’re anxious.
Up next is Moi and the tone shifts to something a little slower - it feels like I’m trapped in an elevator and it’s falling fast. Lyrically it’s really strong and Neil’s vocals are a cross between Brandon Boyd of Incubus and Maynard James Keenan. The tone shifts again for Tired, Aye? As we’re transported to some primitive blast beats and guttural screams. This song is very jazzy and a bit Refused (not a bad thing). It’s also a drum and vocal assault and clearly Lombardo ain’t tired.
Edging the halfway mark Sons And Daughters has an undeniable energy that keeps the momentum alive - by this point, I’m convinced this album is awesome. I loved the clever use of the repetitive drum beat throughout Stutter and the highlight for me is Dusty, with its distinct Faith No More vibes. It’s totally different to anything else on this record, and anything I’ve heard in a while.
The Dillinger Escape Plan/Converge influence is clear on Sold! a song with relentless pace. Rivers of Heresy ends with the album’s longest track The Looming, where the ESB gives Lombardo’s drums the chance to breathe and carry the listener through the final journey to the end.
In a world where many metal albums look and sound the same, Rivers of Heresy hits different with its impressive choice of artwork by Daniel P. Carter. (Carter also painted the art for The Harvest single). In a world of streaming, it’s great to see a band prioritise the whole experience of an album and consider the visuals as much as the music - this is becoming rarer and rarer.
All in all, Empire State Bastard has achieved what it set out to do here - they’ve taken the essence of extreme metal and post-hardcore and delivered something fresh and different. The relentless energy, diverse vocal delivery, and intricate instrumentation on Rivers of Heresy make for an electrifying experience. With its distinctive sound and thought-provoking lyrics, it’s one of the best releases I’ve heard in a while, and with a follow-up already in the works, I’m keen to see if these bastards can top this one.
Rivers Of Heresy is out now via Roadrunner.
