The fall is near with Empire of Disease.
Formed in 2018, the Basque band signed to XTreem Music and composed of Pintxo Wayewta (vocals), Gorka Díez (guitar), Iban Hernando (drums), and Xabier H Zarraga (bass) released their third album, While Everything Collapses, in 2026.
The Beast Inside Me welcomes us with a sample that is half disturbing, half melancholic, ultimately better preparing us for its aggressive rhythm that arrives slowly, then explodes all at once and welcomes the raw vocals. The track remains infused with its Old School roots while skirting the line between Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore, particularly during the break, while Depravity clearly imposes its American roots and leaves no doubt about the band’s influences. The sharp solo counterbalances the almost constant violence, then No Risk, No Glory weighs down the sound, making us want to raise our fists as if before a controlled wall of death that launches itself with the screams. Beyond the obvious brutality, the track offers catchy choruses but also knows how to pick up the pace for the anguishing The Art of Manipulation, which follows and pours out its piercing harmonic riffs at a good pace. The discerning listener will once again recognize the inspiration of the combo, which redoubles its efforts for this intense track before slowing down for Torture Chamber, which is initially heavier and more jerky, then rushes at us with patterns tailored for live performance. The chaotic final leads us to Hamunaptra, which starts with a short cybernetic sample, then explodes in our faces and skillfully carries us away in its rush towards While Everything Collapses, the eponymous title track, and its furious riffs. The song is quite short, but perfect for frantically banging your head before screaming the chorus in unison, then letting the pressure drop for a moment with More than a Hundred, which closes the album first with an almost agonizing softness, then with a similar striking force, offering a raw and catchy groove that never falters.
Although I hadn’t listened to Empire of Disease much since their last album, I find that the band has asserted itself much more with While Everything Collapses! The influences are more than obvious, but perfectly mastered.
80/100