From their EPK, "delivering a tasteful blend of Old School Doom/Death-laden Metal and Dark, Gothic Rock, Denmark's EMPIRE DROWNS is finally ready with the release of their debut album following the 2013 EP "Bridges." On "Nothing" the band has aimed for a heavier approach to their Doom Metal, and is characterized by an intense rhythm section and soaring, melodic guitar work, atmospheric keyboards, which together with the, at the same time, grim, growling vocals, create a heavy and captivating mood. As songwriters, they showcase a refreshing diversity. Every song comes to life with its own unmistakable identity, yet this exploration of different musical paths results in an integral and pensive sound that they can proudly call their own." The EP contains six songs.

"I Am" is the first; a short mood-setter. The tones are ominous and tense. "Purity" is the first proper song. It has harsh vocals and a Gothic sound, with plenty of background elements. As is common in Doom Metal, the riffs are fairly simple. Most of the sound comes from the vocals. "Anesthesia" lets some of the harrowing background elements develop a bit more. The harsh vocals are quite deep and effective at carrying the message. The vocals shift near the half-way point, sounding something more like what Ihsahn would belt.

"Nothing" has some symphonic elements and a great bass line to go along with all of the doom and gloom. The piano notes are a great addition. The dark elements really come along nicely in this song also, and I love the title..."nothing." "Gone" is the longest on the album...at seven-and-a-half-minutes long. A rough wind swells in the opening, replaced by tones of longing and regret. The riff is again simple but very effective in carrying the message here of loss and contrition. "Loved" closes the album. In a closing turn around, this final song reminds you that even in your darkest hours, you are in fact loved. But is it a cruel dual-meaning message? Because the tones would suggest that the darkness is very much alive.

Overall, the choice to use harsh vocals was the right call on the album. They are sturdier at carrying the sad, weighted sound, and the grumblings are deep and dark. They leave no mistake that this album is about the things that are worst in life...mistakes, regret, the coming and going of personal possessions, and, ultimately, the loss of yourself. It's one take on life in general, and it's a bleak and cold.