Empath
Photo by Martin Goltermann
Heavy rock band EMPATH makes their debut with the self-titled album set for a release on November 13th 2026 through Indisciplinarian. The Copenhagen, Denmark based band finds its creative core in the songwriting duo of vocalist Morten Grønnegaard and guitarist Jacob Krogholt who share a past in the metal band Rising. But with the new constellation completed on the debut album by bass player KB Larsen (Volbeat, Anti Ritual), and drummer Jeppe Munk Aakeson (Knytnæve, Iota), a new unique artistic path has been carved out.
‘Empath’ consists of eight songs of great variety shaping an album that carries itself with focused musical narrative throughout its 38 minutes. Musically, EMPATH has its roots in heavy, progressive and psychedelic rock and metal of the 70’s and 80’s. A contemporary, organic production serves the intricate and melodic song material well and with the addition of synths reminiscent of old sci-fi soundtracks, the band delivers a heavy, rich and atmospheric sound, thus carrying the virtuous torch of their musical heroes into the future.
Thematically ‘Empath’ deals with the nature of man, the consequences of our ambition and dreams, as laid bare in our present capitalistic society with escalating climate change, inequality, isolation and conflict on the horizon. Inspired by sci-fi literature from the last century and experimental poetry works from the romantic era, the lyrics of Morten Grønnegaard dig into various ideas that gripped writers and thinkers such as Arthur C. Clarke, William Blake and Thomas De Quincey. Even though the subjects often dwelled into the fever dreams and far away futures of humankind, they resonate very well with where and what we are as humans today.
‘The Tower’ deals with the growing isolation and inequality despite the fact that globalization and wealth is at a high point. ‘Lyca’s Lost’ touches on the alienation between generations imagined in the sci-fi theme of parallel worlds and different dimensions. ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Childhood’s End’ discuss mankind’s everlasting dream of expanding our presence beyond our own mistreated planet. Will our story be different under a new strange sun? Or are we destined to destroy everything we claim as humans?
Members
Morten Grønnegaard - Vocals
Jacob Krogholt – Guitars & Synth
K.B. Larsen – Bass
Jeppe Munk Åkesson - Drums & Percussion