Empire! Empire! (I Was a Lonely Estate) - You Will Eventually Be Forgotten - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Empire! Empire!and Joie de Vivre, two of the most prominent bands in modern emo, have come together to a split 7?. Each of the two bands present a different style of this vast genre. Empire! Empire!?s songs are so delicate that they sound as if they could break at any second vocalist/guitarist Keith Latinen's heartbreaking storytelling about homecoming sung over the somber, minimal guitars could be the soundtrack to anybody's breakdown. Joie de Vivre's b-side contributions are more upbeat, but still sting with sadness.

Fernândez' work can be divided into three periods, the first (1918-22) is influenced by French Impressionism, the second (1923-38) is marked by the systematic use of folklore, particularly amerindian rhythms and harmonies, rather than 'popular' urban melodies. Finally (1939-48) was a period of increasing introspection and the development of a more universally recognised language. [Adrian Farmer]

Where most of us might think that everything has been said and done in a genre, Imperium Dekadenz boldly seek new horizons The highly atmospheric and emotionally dense soundscapes of this duo shun a simplistic tag like InchMelodic Black MetalInch and have done so for ages - so Horaz and Vespasian seize the moment with When We Are Forgotten and delve deep into a complex cosmos made of anger, loneliness, melancholy and pure destruction. Their musical progression is palpable throughout the album. Triumphant shadowplay 'Bis ich bin' let's the old school BM flames rise high and then indulges in iridescent, melodic riff cascades. Both parts of 'My Solace' pose as solemn monoliths framing surprisingly catchy and driven tracks such as 'Transcendence'. The sixth record of the duo from the Black Forest in Germany convinces with a dynamic, energetic and organic production and sounds by no means polished, but rough and dark as their home itself. In contradiction to the album's title This is unforgettable.