Awaken is the debut studio album by The Empire Shall Fall, released on November 17, 2009 through Angle Side Side Records, owned by The Empire Shall Fall's bassist, Nick Sollecito. Awaken features the vocal talents of Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach. The band cites its influences as At the Gates, Meshuggah, and Edge of Sanity. Awaken draws heavily upon the band members' interests in jazz, punk, and experimental music. The album reflects heavily on the themes of politics and transcendentalism. Lyrically the album advocates positivity, unity, and empowerment. Historical inspirations for the album have been cited as Jello Biafra, Benjamin Franklin, Cynthia McKinney, and Ron Paul.
Track listing "Awaken" – 5:03 "Lords of War" – 3:37 "Voices Forming Weapons" – 4:08 "Choir of Angels" – 6:01 "We The People" – 5:50 "These Colors Bleed" – 4:35 "Our Own" – 5:24 "The Kingdom" – 4:55
Personnel Jesse Leach - vocals Jake Davenport - lead guitar Marcus de Lisle - guitar Nick Sollecito - bass guitar Jeff Pitts - drums, percussion
Technical personnel Producer - Marcus de Lisle Sound Engineer - Sean Small Graphic Designer - Matthew Yezuita Photographer - Emily Stamp P&R - Kim Kelly/Catharsis PR
References