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- Summary: The debut full-length release from Biffy Clyro's Simon Neil and ex-Oceansize musician Mike Vennart as Empire State Bastard features drumming from Dead Cross/Slayer/Testament's Dave Lombardo.
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- Record Label: Roadrunner
- Genre(s): Pop/Rock
- More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
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Positive: 4 out of 6
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Mixed: 2 out of 6
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Negative: 0 out of 6
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Sep 1, 2023Punctuated by Simon’s misanthropic frustrations at a post-pandemic world, it’s a bold and brilliant but bileful record that may alienate even the most diehard of those ‘early-albums-are-the-best’ fans.
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Aug 31, 2023These are the sharper edges that Neil let out on Biffy’s earlier work, but elevated that the pure ultraviolence of Vennart’s songwriting and madcap riffery.
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Aug 31, 2023It’s testament to how thrilling Rivers Of Heresy is that by the time you reach at closing track The Looming, released, somewhat boldly, as the first single from the album, that its impact hasn’t been lessened.
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Aug 31, 2023When Neil leads us away cheekily with the macabre “I’ll never grow old in a graveyard”, the confidence sounds resolute. The trio’s abilities were already in cement, but being uninhibited by past musical ventures has become a marvellously fun, snarling beast.
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Aug 31, 2023When it works, it’s thrilling, especially on the moody Moi and the mercurial, atmospheric Sons and Daughters. Elsewhere, Palms of Hands and Dusty are perhaps a little grindcore-by-numbers. Still, Neil and Vennart have presented their vision in uncompromising fashion, and those who yearn for Blackened Sky-era Biffy will unquestionably find something to love.
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MojoAug 31, 2023Empire State Bastard make you feel like you've been in a cage fight with Mike Tyson. [Oct 2023, p.82]