Song
Only Way Out
Artist
Empyre
Empyre backstory
The slow-burners of the burgeoning NWOCR scene, Empyre began to make their move post-2016 and debut Self Aware finally dropped two years ago.
Showcasing the band’s unique brand of post-grunge inspired atmospheric classic rock, that album secured regular airplay and a succession of high-profile shows.
In 2020 the slow starters moved into the pandemic’s fast lane – releasing a staggering six singles and 14 music videos.
A hat-trick of Classic Rock Magazine tracks of the week established Empyre’s reputation as ones to watch.
And the quartet shows no signs of slowing down in 2021 with acoustic album The Other Side due in April and gigs aplenty this summer.
But before all of that Empyre are back in the studio recording the hotly anticipated follow-up to Self Aware.
In Empyre frontman Henrik Steenholdt’s own words:
“The Other Side features a lot of rearranging and re-imagining of the songs from our debut Self Aware.
“And this version of Only Way Out takes that to another plane.
“We threw the second and third guitar parts out of the window and rebuilt the musical core of the song around piano and orchestra.
“If there was one song to re-approach with the aim of heightening the emotional intensity then Only Way Out was it.”
The verdict on Only Way Out
If ever a song highlighted Empyre’s bold and vivacious approach to modern rock, then the reworked version of Only Way Out is that song.
Steenholdt pushes his voice to the limit as a haunting and affecting tune takes hold.
Emotive keys and understated acoustic guitars elevate one of Empyre’s finest tunes to a whole new level.
And it’s easy to get lost in layer upon layer of majestic melody.
Think Pearl Jam meets classic, 70s Elton John and you’re halfway there. But that’s just scratching the surface.
By stripping down Only Way Out, Empyre have somehow added extra layers and a greater depth to one of their best tunes yet.
Only Way Out? More like the only way is up for this classy quartet.
What’s next for Empyre
The second half of 2021 sees Empyre head out on a UK tour with chart-busting fellow Brits Mason Hill.
Empyre will play two sets at this summer’s Ramblin’ Man Fair and check into Steelhouse Festival and Call Of The Wild.
The Other Side is released on April 30 and an MTV Unplugged-style acoustic album showcase has been lined up for May 30 at The Waterloo in Blackpool.