Southern Empire from Adelaide in South Australia returned in 2023 with their third album, Another World. They faced the challenge of following their brilliant 2018 release Civilisation with new singer Shaun Holton, after the amicable departure of the well regarded Danny Lopresto. For those new to Southern Empire, they were formed by Sean Timms and Danny Lopresto after Timms’ legendary band Unitopia initially split up in 2013. Happily, Unitopia have now reformed, also releasing a new album in 2023. Southern Empire recruited incredible drummer Brody Green alongside talented bassist Jez Martin and guitarist Cam Blokland. This album bursts with creativity, power and their usual stellar musicianship. "Another World" hits you right between the eyes from the opening cannonade of drums from Brody Green, joined by some meaty guitar and eerie synths in album opener "Reaching Out" with the harmony vocals of Shaun Holton, confidently joining the musical tornado with great assurance. This sounds nothing much like we have heard from Southern Empire, with Green’s machine gun drums detonating so crisply, backed up with typical fluid bass from Jez Martin. Sean Timms has shared that this song is based on the multiverse storylines common in TV and films. "Reaching Out" explores the Sliding Doors film idea of ‘What if’ scenarios, how one chance action or simple choice could completely change your life. It’s a furious opening, telling us that this album is something altogether different from the band. In the five years since the last album, this band has grown and changed. It seems clear that whilst Sean Timms still writes the majority of the songs, this is much more of a collective album with more input from all band members. Timms has shared that Danny Lopresto contributed some lyrical ideas before he left, and the band provided numerous arrangement ideas, which shines through in the fizzing creativity of the music. "Face the Dawn" was the first song Timms asked Holton to sing for his audition - and you can hear why it convinced him to choose Shaun as lead vocalist. Against a furious backing, Holton has to roar out his vocals, yet remains able to imbue the lines with passion. Another highlight was "Hold On to Me", the first of two songs written by Cam Blokland. Cam's brilliant guitar playing has always been evident, but what hasn’t been apparent previously is his excellent singing, as he takes the lead vocals with his softly passionate voice is carried by lilting acoustic guitar and piano. It’s a touching and inspiring song about staying strong for someone who is suffering, and he sings his poetically simple words with an emotional touch. “Moving Through Tomorrow" is a journey piece, about living our lives and attributing as much meaning to them as we can. It’s a song about defiance, about getting through the obstacles of life, daily challenges, being humble but not broken. The nearly 20 minute epic "White Shadows" has a post-apocalyptic feel and is about “survival through horrendous conditions and circumstances. It’s about loss and working through loss to come out the other side… not unscathed, but hopefully wiser, more compassionate and resilient. What does seem apparent is that Danny Lopresto was heavily involved in this project right up to when he left the band. Indeed, his guitar and backing vocal contributions remain on the album, along with joint songwriting credits. Danny's endorsement of new singer Shaun Holton should provide a healthy continuation to a fine band take them into a different direction. Enter Southern Empire’s "Another World" with an open mind, confirming their future bodes very well. After five years, Southern Empire have evolved and significantly moved on. Crucially they have retained what made them stand out and imaginatively developed their spectacular sound even further. Southern Empire have produced yet another fine album of imaginative and spectacularly well-performed melodic progressive rock music with a hard edge. Enjoy Jim
Fro here from the Nekro Ninjaz you guys are really killing it with this song Shaun you got some pipes glad we were on the meltdown the other night together keep on rocking in stralia!
Nice! I was just listening to some Southern Empire and was wondering if a new album was on the way, glad to see I was right on time haha! Didn’t know Danny had left the band which is sad, he was an awesome vocalist, but I’m digging the new singer’s voice!
Yeah it's like a lovechild of Haken and It Bites, what a beauty! and I prefer @ShaunHolton 's vocals to be honest so can't wait to hear the rest of the album.
