Southern Empire self-titled debut album, from 2016.
The self-titled debut album by Southern Empire stands as one of the milestones of modern Australian progressive rock, a continent that, among others, has given us the great King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, a band I adore and one of the most prolific and crazy bands on the planet, and, still sticking to my favourite and most frequent listens, the great Nick Cave.
Southern Empire rise from the ashes of another pillar of Australian prog, Unitopia. In 2014, in Adelaide, Sean Timms—keyboardist, composer and producer—decides to launch a new musical project right after the breakup of his long-standing band. Timms’ goal was clear: create a more powerful, energetic and edgy sound, while keeping engaging melodies, unforgettable choruses and symphonic structures.
To bring his vision to life, Timms surrounds himself with top-notch musicians from the local scene: Danny Lopresto on vocals and guitar, Cam Blokland on lead guitar and backing vocals, Jez Martin on bass, and Brody Green on drums and backing vocals. Their contribution is key in shaping Southern Empire’s unique sound.
The self-titled debut draws on Timms’ past projects, but quickly turns into a high-impact collective work. Many songs had originally been conceived for the new Unitopia album, before they split up. Together with the new members, Timms rearranges and beefs up these tracks, creating an album that masterfully blends classic symphonic progressive rock with modern prog metal and melodic hard rock. The influence of bands like Dream Theater, Transatlantic, IQ and Steven Wilson is evident in every note.
This album is a real gem of Symphonic Progressive Rock, with a massive sound, flawless production and a perfect balance between melody and power.
Sean Timms’ stamp is unmistakable. Towering keyboards, Hammond, piano and cutting-edge synths evoke the great masters of the genre. Compared to Unitopia, the sound is decidedly more energetic. Cam Blokland’s guitar riffs are tight and powerful, while Danny Lopresto’s strong, gritty voice smooths out the rough edges of prog. The choruses are immediate, epic, catchy and recall American ’80s melodic rock. Studio guests enrich the tracks with sax solos, tribal percussion and flute and violin touches, adding a hint of delicacy to the metal sound.
It’s one of the best progressive rock debut albums of the 2010s. Despite the length of the tracks (the suite “The Bridge That Binds” runs over 22 minutes), the album never feels boring or self-indulgent. Jez Martin’s bass and Brody Green’s drums deliver groove and precise, constant time changes.
Even though it’s complex, technical music, it’s an extremely enjoyable album even for non-prog fans, thanks to the engaging vocal melodies. Those looking for a genre revolution may find it too tied to patterns already established by classic European and American bands, but it’s a monumental, energetic and mature record. It doesn’t feel like a debut at all, but the work of a band at the peak of its career, able to unite prog’s technical complexity with arena-rock power. Excellent!
My Version
Label: Giant Electric Pea – GEPV7015
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Reissue, Stereo, Transparent Red
Country: UK
Released: 30 Dec 2022
Tracklist
A1 Show Me The Way 0:49
A2 Forest Fire 7:32
A3 Hold 11:42
B1 How Long 11:28
B2 Dreams & Machines 5:10
The Bridge That Binds (28:22)
C1 Part I: Don't Look Down (Instrumental)
C2 Part II: The Bridge That Binds
C3 Part III: Before You Know It
C4 Part IV: Turbulence (Instrumental)
D1 Part V: Show Me A Sign
D2 Part VI: Undercurrents
D3 Part VII: Let The River Run Red
D4 Part VIII: It All Depends
D5 Part IX: The End Of My Days
Lineup
Guest [With], Congas, Goblet Drum [Darbukka], Tambourine, Drums [African Drums] – Tim Irrgang
Guest [With], Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Adam Page
Performer [Southern Empire Are], Bass [Fretted Bass], Fretless Bass, Flugelhorn, French Horn, Mellophone, Backing Vocals – Jez Martin
Performer [Southern Empire Are], Drums, Percussion [Hand Percussion], Backing Vocals [Ridiculously High Backing Vocals] – Brody Green
Performer [Southern Empire Are], Electric Guitar [Electric Guitars], Acoustic Guitar [Acoustic Guitars], Backing Vocals – Cam Blokland
Performer [Southern Empire Are], Keyboards, Electric Guitar [Electric Guitars], Lap Steel Guitar, Theremin, Alto Saxophone, Ukulele, Melodica, Backing Vocals – Sean Timms
Performer [Southern Empire Are], Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar [Electric Guitars], 12-String Acoustic Guitar [12 String Acoustic Guitars], Mandolin – Danny Lopresto
