The track is the third preview of the forthcoming debut album, ‘Rivers of Heresy’.
Following the firebomb introduction of the pair of first singles in “Harvest” and “Stutter”, the extreme metal passion project from Simon Neil and Mike Vennart of Biffy Clyro, Naomi Macleod of Bitch Falcon and legendary percussionist Dave Lombardo in Empire State Bastard continues their steamroll en route to their September 1st full length debut with their latest smoldering, slow burning single, “The Looming”.
Described as a slow crush of a single, the more than six-minute serving showcases a spiraling quality, a steady decline into hellacious terrain, soundtracked by Mike Vennart massive stoner rock buzz and Simon Neil tortured vocal howl. Reiterating the fiery feel of the track, the band have made it their closing composition both live and on the record, warning, “The end is nigh! The end is looming! F*ck what they told ya!”
Speaking further about the pending debut album Vennart summarized his vision in seeing Empire State Bastard to fruition, “I set about making the most fucking poisonous vile music I possibly could, just unabridged hatred in musical form.” Echoing that sentiment, Neil detailed his contribution. “Lyrically, it’s as misanthropic and nihilistic as I’ve ever written.”
Empire State Bastard hit the ground running, launching their introduction with a succession of UK shows that sold out well before anyone had even heard a note of music from the band. In the months since, the band has led a campaign that saw them sign to Roadrunner Records, confirm their debut album release and notch forceful live showings at major festivals including Glastonbury, Download, 2000trees and Hellfest to name a few.
Rivers of Heresy will mark the debut LP from Empire State Bastard and will arrive September 1st via Roadrunner Records. A visceral, sonic purge, the intensity of the band’s sound is fueled by a commitment to make the most confrontational music possible and their latest preview reiterates that.
Check the current list of live dates for Empire State Bastard, including the band’s live U.S. debut this September with a confirmed play at Riot Fest in Chicago on September 17th.
Rivers of Heresy features the artwork of Daniel P. Carter. The album arrives September 1st.
Order it – HERE
Empire State Bastard live dates
AUGUST
5th – Germany, Wacken Open Air
17th – UK, ArcTanGent
SEPTEMBER
17th – USA, Riot Fest
20th – USA, New York, Le Poisson Rouge (guests to Chat Pile)
