Empyrium – The Turn of the Tides (2014)

Having waited for more than 10 years for a new Empyrium release, the arrival of this release was the highlight of our month. With “The Turn of the Tides”, Ulf Theodor Schwadorf and Thomas Helm return with a release that combines all elements from Empyrium’s past in a very fresh and masterful way. Featuring seven tracks of majestic atmospheric music, the band surpasses all the expectations and once again, sets the bar higher.

The release opens with the ray of light called “Saviour”. In this track the somber piano opening perfectly sets the mood for this majestic release. As the atmospheric elements keep unveiling parallel to Helm’s vocals, the full Empyrium experience begins. The release continues with the already unveiled “Dead Winter Ways”, a majestic track that is both bleak and dramatic. Featuring distorted guitars, this is a first in a few releases for Empyrium.

Continuing its atmospheric quest, “In The Gutter Of This Spring” crafts very mellow soundscapes that are both chilling and enthralling. As the track progresses from the acoustic passages into heavier territories, the band delivers one of the most masterful pieces perfectly bridging the gap between their Neo Folk releases and their earlier albums. Things take a turn for the mellow and dramatic with the piano driven “We Are Alone”, a song that nicely changes the pace.

As “The Days Before the Fall” rears its head, the band deliver one of the most aurally reach experiences with every single detail presented in this song. Having seen this song live at their first show ever at the WGT, I am instantly transported to that moment when listening to this recording. Deciding on a favorite song is nearly impossible with how majestic and individually different they all are. All instruments are perfectly recorded and masterfully mixed to shine when needed and take a back role when desired.

With the release nearing its end, “With The Current Into Grey” delivers lush vocal arrangements and dramatic guitar leads that perfectly blend with the atmospheric elements. The release closes with the haunting “The Turn of the Tides”, and its eerie vocal arrangements and “Weiland”-esque vibe. As a whole, this release is exactly what people were expecting from Empyirum. The musical quality is unrivaled as the band nicely blends together all their different stages in their career. If you are a fan of the band you will 100% not be disappointed by this collection of lush and melancholic tracks, and brace yourself to be submerged by Empyrium’s world  once again.

Label: Prophecy Productions

Release: July 18th, 2014

Genre: Neo-Folk/Neo-Classical/Dark Metal

Country: Germany