Somewhere between Mötley Crüe and Anberlin lies San Jose, California’s I Am Empire. The quintet composed of Austin Lyons (vocals), Andrew Stanton (lead guitar), Joshua Case (bass), Dan Otix (rhythm guitar), and Eric Martin (percussion) were signed to Tooth & Nail Records after gaining notoriety by performing alongside the likes of Deftones, Silversun Pickups, and  Thursday just to name a few bands. With high expectations, I Am Empire released their debut, Kings, in January 2011.
  
Right from the beginning of Kings, it becomes apparent that I Am Empire are going to play hard and fast. Lead single “Brain Damage” has the post-hardcore trifecta: dense drums, wild guitars, and atmospheric melodies. Lyons and Stanton steal the song and set up what will be a recurring theme throughout the album. “Heart Attack” follows the same guitar-driven formula, even sprinkling in a solo here and there. Lyons blows the song out of the water by hitting notes that Anberlin’s Stephen Christian would be proud of. Lyons differentiates his vocal delivery throughout the album to great success. Songs such as “The Elevator” and “Foxhole” show off this talent as Lyons goes from souring choruses to deep, almost growling, breakdowns. 
  
When I Am Empire slow things down, they seem to lose a step. “Love & Despair” has a country twinge which helps to set the song apart from the rest of the album. Closer “It’s Not Fair” is a bluesy event on which Stanton once again shines on the ax as Lyons croons “ It’s not fair to go // and leave me behind // leave me behind.” “Take Me Away” offers Lyons most personal lyrics on the album. The song has definite cross-over appeal without sounding cock-rockish. Lyons sings “Son it’s not your fault // you are who you are // I will lead you // Where they won’t make you small.” I Am Empire’s ballads, however, tend to sound generic and uninspired. 
 
I Am Empire are able to straddle the line between being a Christian band and not alienating secular listeners. “Hammers & Anvils” is the catchiest song on the album and the most noticeably Christian track; “It’s hope that has embraced me / And my god who won’t forsake me / Sweet Jesus you’re amazing / You save me every single time I fall down” Lyons sings on the bridge. Much like their labelmates, Ivoryline, I Am Empire appeal too many audiences. Kings is one solid debut that will bring in fans from all genres. Tooth & Nail Records have found a keeper.

****/*****

*This review was composed by Mike Meeze