23rd March 2024

Review: “Destiny” by Empire Warning

Created by tattoo artist Michelle Walsh, the cover art for “Destiny” by Empires Warning which finds the Grim Reaper holding a tarot card depicting the sands of time slipping away is a symbol of the bands rallying cry “we are only destined to die, so seize the moment and live“. Originally formed in Shepherds Bush London in 2008, the outfit have been though their fair share of trials and tribulations but have us a pair of EPs in “Heil To The Rat King” and “Unite And Die“. Their triumphant victory at London’s Metal 2 The Masses competition in 2019 was a career high and now they return to meet their maker….

Inspired by 1992 slasher horror “Candyman”, vocalist Elsio Torcato takes us on a journey into the mind of the title character of the film with opening cut “Be My Victim“. Detailing his descent into the monster he would become in the first person makes this one a powerful statement piece in Groove Metal. His punishing uncleans are added to with clean backing vocalist in the chorus from guitarist Ben Stratford which feel a little rushed, however the sing-a-long quality that the band clearly had in mind is present. The mosh parts in the final third make all the difference as the early Lamb Of God and perhaps even “The Poison” era Bullet For My Valentine influences bleed through the bandages. “Destiny?” then explores the question of past mistakes from previous generations being repeated as if the cards are dealt by the bands of fate. Another solid slab with a earworm piece of lead and bold chorus, it feels more refined that the previous cut as if aged in Oak casks. There is an air of familiarity about the music that gives it an instant appeal in a nostalgic way but it has enough of a life of its own to bring you back to it.

A take of betrayal at the hands of a so called friend is offered up in “Just Run“, one of those cuts that has a name because after a second chance, a promise broken is going to get treated with violence. Threatening to spill into Thrash at times this riff fest captures the sentiment perfectly, the bands ability to give us a melodic moment before the whammy bar knife rises for the grand finale making all the difference. A cut which deals with grief “Peace In The Pain” has it’s roots firmly 2003 era American Metalcore with axe throwing duo Grant McCallum and Stratford going toe to toe with their solos. Those are enough to burn down the house and help elevate an otherwise stomping affair with improved clean vocal passages to a new level. It has to be said that the cover art brings the record together, that one piece of art reflecting lyrical moments in numerous song. The curtain comes down with the rapid fire “Sands Of Time“, a nod to bands like Dry Kill Logic with a real grit and integrity underneath a rough exterior. Drummer Jordan Turner brings some expansive fills to the table, a vital cog in the machine that ensures this has the drive to escape meandering trappings. All in all a sold slab of old school Groove Metal that Empire Warning can squeeze another five percent energy out of live… [7/10]

Track Listing