Vocalist Morten Grønnegaard and guitarist Jacob Krogholt bring their shared history in Rising to EMPATH, whose self-titled debut album arrives November 13, 2026, through Indisciplinarian. The Copenhagen, Denmark-based heavy rock band have also announced their debut performance: A Colossal Kind Of X-mas at Hotel Cecil in Copenhagen on December 11, 2026.
Grønnegaard, also associated with Qaisor, and Krogholt, of Anti Ritual, form the band's songwriting core. On the album, they are joined by bassist KB Larsen (Volbeat, Anti Ritual) and drummer Jeppe Munk Aakeson (Knytnæve, Iota).
The eight-song record runs 38 minutes, drawing on heavy, progressive and psychedelic rock and metal from the 1970s and 1980s. Its melodic, intricate songwriting is paired with contemporary, organic production and synthesizers that recall older science-fiction soundtracks.
Grønnegaard's lyrics examine human nature and the consequences of ambition and dreams within contemporary capitalist society. Climate change, inequality, isolation and looming conflict inform that thematic setting. The writing draws inspiration from twentieth-century science-fiction literature and experimental poetry of the Romantic era, engaging with ideas explored by Arthur C. Clarke, William Blake and Thomas De Quincey. The announcement connects those writers' imagined futures and visions of humanity with present-day human concerns.
KB Larsen and EMPATH produced the album. Brad Boatright mastered it at Audiosiege, with Obituary, Deadguy and The Armed listed among his credits in the announcement. Grønnegaard also created the cover artwork.
The release will be available digitally and in two vinyl editions: 100 copies on transparent blue and 100 on black. Preorders and presaves have been announced for all editions and formats.
The press announcement places the record before listeners of Rising, Ghost, Rainbow, Iron Maiden, King Diamond, Rush, Dio-era Black Sabbath and Judas Priest.
- New Dawn
- Lyca’s Lost
- Sisters Of Sorrow
- Deceiver
- Childhood’s End
- Solace
- The Tower
- Only The Dead
EMPATH's December 11 debut show at Hotel Cecil will take place alongside other Danish heavy artists as part of A Colossal Kind Of X-mas.
