Emperors and elephants New Album Review



Emperors and Elephants New Album “Moth” Takes
On A Darker Sound with Heavier Lyrics:
And it Thrills!
By:  Coren E. McLeod
The year of 2016 was just an emotional roller coaster of ups and downs within the music industry.  It seemed as though it was one after the other where the music community was losing another great artist which was adored by a legion of fans.  I know that feeling of rocking out to a favorite song of mine and then hearing the tragic news of someone’s passing. 

One in particular did cut me to the core on August 13th, 2016.  I fell hard for the Chicagoland baseband Emperors and Elephants the very 1st time I heard their astounding music open for Trapt in the fall of 2015 at Route 20 Outhouse in Sturvent, Wisconsin.  I was literally in the audience with my eyes closed just having this sensation of being put into a trance while getting my metal on.  I was hooked from the very start. 

With the amazing 1st album “Devil in the Lake” being played restlessly every chance I could get; one could not question why I put that heavy alternative CD on my Top 5 Albums of 2015.  It fucking rocked with such tracks like “Man of God,” “Who You Are.” And “Change.”  I could not wait to hear the follow up to “Devil in the Lake.”

Yet, unforeseen circumstances happened.  E and E had to take a step back and reevaluate the loss of their lead guitar player, Jeff Windisch. I believe the guys of E and E did what they thought would be the best not only for Jeff and his family but to the loyal fans as well.On March 17th, 2017, all the true fans of Emperors and Elephants are going to have their wishes granted when “Moth” is released to an audience with open arms.  One thing I can say right off about this album is I can hear the growth and maturity among each band member.  It is a solid effort of pure hardcore metal with some life alternating lyrics that hits home. 

“Moth” reminds me of the gut wrenching sounds of 90’s alternative favorite Alice in Chains.  Jesse Andrew has this fantastic voice which lingers and stays with you especially with “Porcelain Kiss.”  If I remember correctly, this song has been 15 years in the making and damn…. It is beyond thrilling yet it creeps up on you when you less expect it.  “I am going to kill you the only way I know how…”  Take that particular line and try to put in perceptive.  It is beyond what you may think Jesse is thinking and out of the realm of what reality can be for one person.  Excellent job!

Another song I found to be a complete stand out happens to be track #5, “Poison.”  I have seen this song performed a few times live and the emotions are on high displayed from each band member.  I am fond of Jason Meudt’s ability to bring a high level of skill when it comes to his masterful drumming on “Poison.”  Jason is ripping through the notes with a clear and precise banging that can only be a signature of E and E.  If you do not catch yourself thrashing to “Poison,” you may want to question yourself in regards what you believe good music is.  #Justsaying…

“Give Away the Sun” is just a in your face thrill ride of fast guitars and a bass line that will not quit thanks to Ron.  I found myself literally just jumping up and down to this one.  “Give Away the Sun” takes on that classic “I do not give a shit” attitude and brings it up about 10 levels of awesomeness.  The song is speeding through a nonstop drive of classic Nirvana inspired lyrics and has a no holds bar element.  Crank this up one day while you are speeding down Interstate 90 on your way to a metal concert…  (May I suggest Emperors and Elephants?)  It is well worth the ticket you may get for going 90 mph in a work zone.  Don’t blame me if you get caught. 

Seriously, I am very proud of my boys of Emperors and Elephants.  Out of the ashes comes a new era of hope.  And “Moth” delivers with more of a punch than ever before.  Some other tracks to give a listen to is “Jester, “Hidden,” “Chicago” and the acoustic track “Wicked Game…”

As I always say, support your local music scene.  I will make for damn sure I get to see E and E as much as possible…  Will I see you?  #Cheers 





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