Empty Lights It Up with Sophomore Album Made of Fire

South Carolina alternative rockers Empty released their sophomore album Made of Fire on October 22^nd. After signing to Solid State Records in 2019 they quickly released their debut album, Hope and the Loss of It the same year.

A decade ago, I resided in the band’s hometown of Myrtle Beach before being cast out of paradise. Empty is not a band you would expect to come from this area being that South Carolina is not exactly a mecca for hardcore music. Except for a few bands like Emery, Islander, and Hundredth (also from Myrtle Beach), you generally have artists like The Marshall Tucker Band, Hootie and the Blowfish, Rob Thomas, and Lee Brice.

The band has been on a rapid ascent since forming in 2017. After signing with Solid State Records in 2019, the band had only two months to write music for their first album resulting in lead singer Gary Spears not being totally satisfied with the debut material. However, this time around he had two years to write songs for Made of Fire and the results show. Music on the album is inspired by bands they were listening to at the time which in this case included Linkin’ Park, Chase Atlantic, and Underoath. The influences of these bands can certainly be heard on the album.

Empty blends multiple genres on the album which constantly changes the dynamics within and between songs. Metalcore, nu metal, pop, screamo, scream rap, and trap can all be heard. Lyrically the album has an emo feeling with songs full of heartbreak and hopelessness.

The album’s lead single was written in one day by Spears. “‘Temporary High’ is about a toxic, on-again, off-again relationship where you both know you bring out the worst in each other, but you keep coming back together trying to make it work,” the band offers about the song’s core meaning. “It’s always good in the beginning and feels so right. But inevitably, you both know in the back of your minds the relationship is destined for failure.”

Of the more than 30 albums that I have reviewed this year, Made for Fire ranks in the upper echelon. I really like this band’s sound, approach to their music and lyrics, and just their overall attitude. A lot of bands find a recipe that works and then keep producing the same stuff. I don’t see Empty falling into this cycle. Spears realizes that music is just a regeneration of concepts that were previously developed. What makes an album or band unique is how they apply these concepts. I anticipate their musical recipe will alter over time reflecting their changing influences keeping their music fresh.

Overall rating: 8/10

MADE OF FIRE TRACK LISTING:
“Close My Eyes”
“Disconnect”
“Temporary High”
“Made of Fire”
“Still Standing”
“Can’t Trust Nobody”
“Letting Go”
“Vicious Riches”
“I Should Hate You”
“Put Myself Through Hell”
“Nowhere Left to Hide”

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Post by Scott Raymer (Website | Instagram | Facebook)

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