After more than ten years of silence, Empyrean Asunder resurface with a striking stylistic pivot. Their new single “I Confess,” released January 2, 2026, marks a decisive move away from metal-rooted aggression and into industrial dance and EBSM territory—dark, seductive, and built for the club floor.
With over two decades of evolution behind them, Empyrean Asunder have continuously refused to stay confined to one sound. From black and industrial metal origins to anti-industrial rock, the project now embraces a pulse-driven electronic identity. “I Confess” introduces this new era with sinister, bass-heavy rhythms and a sleek, modern edge reminiscent of Gesaffelstein, while maintaining the project’s trademark darkness.
The release also includes “Everyone Wants To Be You,” a club-ready anthem elevated by the commanding vocal presence of Victoria Graves. Her delivery cuts through the dense electronics with confidence and intensity, making both tracks immediate standouts for goth and industrial dancefloors alike.
Produced by Jerry Barksdale, the single balances infectious earworm melodies with moments of vulnerability and cathartic screams. Massive synth work drives the tracks forward, while deeply personal lyrics add emotional weight beneath the relentless electronic momentum. It’s a combination that rewards repeated listens and signals a fully realized transformation.
Long known as an auditory manifestation of societal decay, Empyrean Asunder continue to channel chaos through sound and vision. Even as the genre framework shifts, the project’s core remains intact—harsh, theatrical, and unflinchingly confrontational.
Project Background & Evolution
Empyrean Asunder is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist Jerry Barksdale, a prolific force in extreme music circles, also known for work in The Promise Of Plague (black/death metal), Then We Died (grindcore), and Grief Cathedral (funeral doom/sludge). Conceived as an experimental outlet, the project frequently collaborates with different musicians, allowing each release to redefine its identity.
Rather than adhering to a fixed genre, Empyrean Asunder moves through distinct creative eras:
Black Metal Era
Early releases such as Wrought In Dreams (1999) explored raw, avant-garde black/doom metal.
Industrial Metal & Anti-Industrial Rock Era
Albums including The Human Virus (2005), Love At Your Own Risk (2006), They Call Her The Cure (2008), Hate (2013), and Serpent (2014) fused metal and punk with harsh industrial textures.
Electro-Industrial / Techno Era (Present)
The current chapter pushes fully into electronic territory, incorporating EBM, darkwave, and techno influences—anchored by the 2026 release of “I Confess.”
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