With their sixth full-length, "Über den Sternen", an allegorical German rendering of their band name meaning "Above the Stars", Empyrium still draw from the magic and spirits of wild places, nature's beauty, and human relics of ages long past. "Über den Sternen" echoes this reconciliation of the old with the new on a musical level as well. The Franconian duo is putting more emphasis on the electric guitars and harsh vocals again, which marked their first two albums and stood strong upon the band's melodic black metal foundations. Yet Empyrium also revisit the dark folk style, which the Germans had progressively embraced on their third and fourth albums. What used to appear to be a crossroad in their musical development has now merged into one breath-taking sound. The combined force of mastermind, multi-instrumentalist, clean and extreme vocalist as well as producer Markus "Schwadorf" Stock and classical singer Thomas Helm, who lends his amazing voice also to the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, is painting a radiant sonic picture. It comes with the melancholic grounding of the sophomore album "Songs of Moors & Misty Fields" (1997), adds brushstrokes of the fairy-tale tempera colours of "Where at Night the Wood Grouse Plays" (1999), and also makes use of a few hues from the palette that DEAD CAN DANCE have infused with world music, which Empyrium have already employed on "The Turn of the Tides" (2014). The crowning varnish is diligently crafted from rougher elements that reach all the way back to the Germans' legendary debut " A Wintersunset" (1996). Empyrium have reconciled their early vintage sound with the acoustic expression of later recordings." Staying true to the Romantic tradition, Empyrium continue to take inspiration for their lyrical flights of fantasy from the local myths, ancient places, and natural wonders of the Rhön Mountains and their Lower Franconian homeland in the West of Germany. A circle is closing, and with Empyrium's label Prophecy Productions, which were originally founded with the mission to release the band's debut album, celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2021, it happens in more than one way.
Release date:
May 28, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Cloth Pink Silence (Pink)
Rock Action Records
April 25, 2025 -
Grentperez Backflips In A Restaurant (Red Swirl)
Fast Friends
April 4, 2025 -
Penelope Trappes A Requiem
One Little Independent Records
April 4, 2025 -
Rick Wakeman Yessonata Edition
Fragile Records
April 4, 2025 -
Grace VanderWaal CHILDSTAR (Translucent Black Ice)
PULSE Records
June 27, 2025 -
Tarja Circus Life Booklet [3xLP]
Earmusic
May 16, 2025 -
Paul Di'Anno In Memory Of (Yellow)
Metalville
May 16, 2025 -
Jake Wesley Rogers In The Key Of Love
Warner Records
May 9, 2025 -
L.a. Witch Doggod
Suicide Squeeze
April 4, 2025 -
Max Wareham Daggomit!
Max Wareham
May 2, 2025 -
I'm With Her WIld And (Clear And Blue Blue Eco-Mix)
Rounder
May 9, 2025 -
The Lil Smokies Break of the Tide
Americana Vibes
June 13, 2025 -
Enemy Fiend
Edition Records Ltd
April 11, 2025 -
The Waterboys Life, Death & Dennis Hopper [2xLP]
Sun Records
April 4, 2025