Empyre - Quiet Commotion
A change of pace from my usual foundational albums that ignited my musical journey, here’s a relatively new discovery - Empyre. This UK group flew onto my radar towards the end of 2022, and I’ve been captivated by them ever since.
In late 2022, I received an email newsletter from the wonderful record label Kscope. In it they were announcing a newly signed band, Empyre, describing them as “atmospheric rock with huge riffs, a dark and introspective edge, and topped with impassioned vocals”. It was enough to grab my interest and go watch the video for the first single, the title track from the upcoming album “Relentless” [video here]. The hooks in this track instantly snagged me and pulled me in. The incredible driving riffs and emotionally charged vocals had me replaying this track a dozen times, before venturing further down the Empyre rabbit hole. Luckily, the band proficiently populates its YouTube channel with plenty of content from their first album “Self Aware” (2019), and follow-up acoustic treatment “The Other Side” (2021). I instantly ordered their two available albums, pre-ordered the new Kscope release, and spent the next couple of months with the band in constant rotation.
Prior to the release of the new album “Relentless” at the end of March 2023, the first few singles were teased out, each shedding new light on the diverse nature of this collection of songs. Devouring each new single release only ramped up the anticipation of the complete album. Once it arrived in proper, I was not disappointed. There is not a weak track on it. The entire album stylistically fuses rock with a touch of prog experimentalism, a dash of cinematic soundtrack scoring, melancholic lyrics, and powerful, emotive vocals. It really is a fabulous album, and I could have picked any number of songs to feature here. I chose the album’s penultimate track “Quiet Commotion” as I think it showcases the brilliance of the band as they exist currently and also offers a glimpse into what is yet to come.
Empyre - Quiet Commotion
And once again I’ve walked away
From the part of me
That I’m scared to fight
That I didn’t want to find
That I didn’t want to face
Now and then I look for you
Even though you’re gone
I just get through the day
Dream that things will change
But they always stay the same
I can’t reason with the pain
Seems like you’re broken
Silence in motion
By dark emotions I can see
The void is left open
I can see it as it is
The loneliness lived
But it’s too late right now
I can see it as it is
Your emptiness lived
And if you listen closely you can hear
A quiet commotion
The darkest stars absorb the night
And you were one
Burnt out to become
A fragile human light
The living left behind
This silent battle born from loss
Hidden away
The memories I will save
Forgiveness found a way
Living with this change
Courage breaks the pain
Seems like you’re broken
Silence in motion
By dark emotions I can see
The void is left open
I can see it as it is
The loneliness lived
Just a memory now
I can see it as it is
Your emptiness lived
And if you listen closely you can hear
A quiet commotion
Musically, there is quite a lot to take in on this track. I’d recommend dimming the lights and donning some nice headphones for this one. The track begins with the ebb and flow of atmospheric guitars, subtle synths, tasteful bass, and powerful drum underpinnings. The sparseness of this opening section reminds me of an “Inside Out” era Fates Warning composition. The track rises and falls, surrounding the mournful lyrics with a perfect foundation for the emotionally charged vocals. Once the lyrics conclude, there is a briefly delicate instrumental respite, before the driving guitars and drums, along with some strings, bring the end of the song to its very cinematic and climactic conclusion. This powerful musical finish really drives home the emotional intensity of the song’s message.
I do not really have any inside information regarding the origin of the lyrics, but I think the intended feelings of loss and regret come across clearly. To me, it seems that the protagonist is dealing with the loss of someone close to them, who may have been struggling in silence (a quiet commotion) for some time. The immense regret felt by them for not recognizing the signs until it was too late, is expressed by Henrik Steenholdt’s charismatic vocals in superb fashion - mournful melancholy in the verses that rise to anguished cries (“I can’t reason with the pain”).
The darkest stars absorb the night
And you were one
Burnt out to become
A fragile human light
The living left behind
I’m really taken with this verse. Beautifully describing the person lost to our storyteller. Perhaps coming across as depressed or distant, yet they realize how fragile they truly were. The subsequent verse then shifts to the protagonist, now struggling with their own feelings regarding this loss, perhaps even some anger or resentment towards the person lost. Then discovering how to forgive them and move forward without succumbing to their own inner turmoil (another quiet commotion). Everyone is fighting their own battles, mostly in silence. So pay attention, (“And if you listen closely you can hear / A quiet commotion”). Great lyrics like this can allow you to fully invest emotionally in situations that you may have never experienced personally.
All told, this song is a great peek into a band that has been one of my favorite new discoveries in quite some time. The entire “Relentless” album leaves me wanting more and excited for what the band will produce in the future. If you enjoy this track, then do explore the rest of this album, as Empyre has definitely created an outstanding album that should resonate with most discerning music fans.