Empire State Bastard
Empire State Bastard are a British metal duo formed of Mike Vennart (formally of Oceansize) and Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro.[1]
Empire State Bastard | |
|---|---|
 Empire State Bastard at Tons of Rock 2024. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Alternative metal, Extreme metal, Metalcore, Hardcore Punk[2] |
| Years active | 2023–present |
| Labels | Roadrunner Records[3] |
| Spinoff of | |
| Members | |
| Website | empirestatebastard |
To date, the duo has released one album, Rivers of Heresy, which was released on 1 September 2023, and debuted at number 46 on the UK Albums (OCC).[4]
Background
The band was announced on the 24 February 2023 through social media. Shortly after, the band announced a run of intimate shows in Glasgow, Manchester and London.[5]
Musically, the band have been described as alternative metal, extreme metal, metalcore, and hardcore punk.[1][6]
The band have appeared at many festivals across Europe including 2000trees, Copenhell, Download Festival, Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest, and Wacken Open Air.[7][8] They also supported Sleep Token during their 2024 USA tour.[9]
Members
Current members
- Simon Neil – vocals, keyboard (2023–present)
- Mike Vennart – guitar, backing vocals (2023–present)
Touring members
- Naomi Mcleod – bass guitar, backing vocals (2023–present)[10]
- Dave Lombardo – drums (2023–present)[10]
Discography
Studio Albums
- Rivers of Heresy (2023)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Empire State Bastard | Best UK Breakthrough Album | Nominated[11] |
| 2024 | Rivers of Heresy | Best Album Art | Nominated[12] |
References
- ^ a b Trendell, Andrew (2023-05-27). "Empire State Bastard: "We're going for extremity at all costs"". NME. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "Simon Neil's ESB announce debut album Rivers of Heresy out September 1st on Roadrunner Records". Rock 'n' Load. June 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
Sprawling across the alt-metal landscape...
- ^ "Empire State Bastard Roadrunner Records - Official Store". Roadrunner Records - Official Store. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "RIVERS OF HERESY". Official Charts. 2023-09-14. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ Trapp, Philip TrappPhilip (2023-03-16). "Dave Lombardo Shares Fierce Song From New Band With Biffy Clyro Members". Loudwire. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ Wilson-Taylor, James (2023-09-01). "Empire State Bastard, 'Rivers Of Heresy' | The Album Story". Rock Sound. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ Dunworth, Liberty (2023-06-02). "Empire State Bastard share brutal new single 'Stutter'". NME. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "Copenhell 2024 – Onsdag – Diskant.dk" (in Danish). 2024-06-21. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ Ordonez, Eli (2024-01-19). "Sleep Token announce US tour with Empire State Bastard". NME. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ a b Dunworth, Liberty (2023-08-10). "Empire State Bastard announce UK and European headline tour". NME. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "Heavy Music Awards 2024 Winners Revealed". Heavy Music Awards. Retrieved 2024-12-03.
- ^ "Heavy Music Awards 2024 Winners Revealed". Heavy Music Awards. Retrieved 2024-12-03.