Vocalist Morten Grønnegaard created the visualizer accompanying EMPATH’s new single, “Only The Dead.” The Copenhagen, Denmark-based heavy rock band has released the track as the second single from its forthcoming self-titled debut album, due November 13 through Indisciplinarian.
Grønnegaard describes the song’s subject in direct terms: “‘Only the Dead’ is an anti-war song. The chorus line, ‘Only the dead have seen the end of the fury of men,’ states the fact that the tragedy of war has always been, and always will be, an unbearable burden on humanity. Even though we have lived through several generation-killing conflicts in the past, we have learned nothing. The fury of hatred, greed, and ignorance lurks just beneath the surface to this present day.”
“Only The Dead” follows debut single “Lyca’s Lost” and is available on streaming platforms. The album contains eight songs across thirty-eight minutes, drawing on heavy, progressive and psychedelic rock and metal of the 1970s and ’80s. Its melodic arrangements incorporate synthesizers described in the announcement as reminiscent of older science-fiction soundtracks, alongside a contemporary, organic production.
The album’s broader lyrical subjects include human nature and the consequences of ambition and dreams within contemporary capitalist society, addressing climate change, inequality, isolation and conflict. Grønnegaard draws inspiration from twentieth-century science-fiction literature and experimental poetry of the Romantic era, including ideas explored by Arthur C. Clarke, William Blake and Thomas De Quincey.
EMPATH’s songwriting partnership brings together Grønnegaard, also associated with Qaisor, and guitarist Jacob Krogholt of Anti Ritual. Both previously played in Rising. Bassist KB Larsen, associated with Volbeat and Anti Ritual, and drummer Jeppe Munk Aakeson, associated with Knytnæve and Iota, join them on the debut album.
KB Larsen and EMPATH produced the record, with mastering by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, whose credits include Obituary, Deadguy and The Armed. Grønnegaard also created the cover art. The release will be available digitally and in two vinyl editions: 100 copies on transparent blue and 100 on black. Preorders and presaves are available.
EMPATH will make its live debut at A Colossal Kind Of X-mas at Hotel Cecil in Copenhagen on December 11, 2026, alongside other Danish heavy artists. Further live updates are expected.
