Emperors and Elephants

In the vein of Alice and Chains comes a debut effort by Chi-town boys so packed with ups and downs and highs and lows that its success will surely be a springboard for this band to firmly plant its grungy feet in the hard rock ring to battle right along with the not-so-debut albums. Emperors and Elephants delivers an impressive record showcasing a wide range of vocals courtesy of Jesse Andrews’ gritty and grungy sound supported solidly by a tangled web of duo guitars, igniting the spark between the specific sonic space occupied by the alternative and rock music of the last few decades saturated as inspiration all over this record. Once you’re able to get past the name of the band, Emperors and Elephants will easily fall into just about any music lovers oeuvre. They can rock and they’re smoking hot! Each song listened to individually may be difficult for the common rocker to piece back together as an album, but the cohesive thread that runs through E+E is an influence far reaching that it’s just enough to call the sound as massive as an elephant and as majestic as an emperor. Be prepared for E+E to blow up and facilitate a crowd of cross genre contamination. Music is inbred and Emperors and Elephants is the by-product of Shinedown and a post-Nirvana world.

emperors and elephants - band - press photoJesse Andrews : Vocals
Jason Meudt : Drums
Jeph Stiph :Guitars
Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper: Guitars
Ron “Stoppable” Vanders : Bass
Devil in the Lake released by Pavement Entertainment in January 2014 plays like an album full of radio friendly singles. “Your Will” has seen success on the radio in Chicago and its surrounding areas and will spread like wildfire the minute the heat from this record catches the air nationwide. Formed in 2010, Emperors and Elephants demonstrates a strong sound of music technicality and offers lyrics scrubbed clean at the opening of most tracks but intertwined with guitar riffs and percussion twists by the end of the song in true 90s grunge fashion. It’s an album that pays homage to those that came before and plays like an old fav yet stays fresh and creative enough that it forces you to listen without blending in to an alternative iPod shuffle.

“Bring it Down” is a strong openner for the album with beastly guitar riffs and a creeping heartbeat of a drum, welcoming the penetration of lyrics so professed yet so subtle it instantly encapsulates the listener and drags them straight down the rabbit hole. The rest of the album soars like a rollercoaster of acoustic, cover, and raw songs all tied together with a bow of talent and potential. Songs like “Locust” echo the rage and power of a percussion section sometimes lost to the screeching guitars so predominant in the soul of 90s grunge, but Jason Meudt does a great job of reminding you that he’s beating the hell out of his kit right along with the destruction of strings in front of him.

Watch the EMPERORS AND ELEPHANTS – WHO YOU ARE Lyric Video



“Ghost in the Mirror” put Andrews’ vocals on display, as most of the songs on the album seem to do, but in a haunting way that confidently screams separate from the melody behind him. A vocal self-assured sound portrays the talent layered within E+E. As each song unfolds on Devil in the Lake, a new feel, vibe, soul, talent, and respect is established for this perhaps new-to-you Chicago band. “Hit the Red” seduces the airwaves with a sexy and almost whispering sound from Andrews and an acoustic guitar again putting his vocal prowess front and center. The songs intensity reaches a pivotal point and the repetition of, “I’m sorry for this imperfection, I’m sorry for this imperfection” reaches deep into the emotional bowels of E+Es artistic serenity and sings like an alternative rock lullaby to soothe the scars tangible within this album.

“You and I” appears towards the end of the album and is one of the shortest songs on Emperors and Elephants debut effort but packs some of the most passion and sensation. It is an immediate dichotomy to the style in which the album opens up. The guitars and drums are stripped away and a piano dances throughout the song accompanying Andrews silky voice. Shy of three minutes, “You and I” ends Devil in the Lake intimately like a mint after a six course dinner.

Look for Emperors and Elephants to dominate your radio dial effective shy of immediately. The press is positive, the vibe is real, and the feel is that of forward momentum. The boys seem ready to line up during rock and roll role call to fight for their place in line with those that are clearly an inspiration. Devil in the Lake is a sure-fire-quick-fire-spread-like-wild-fire-stand-up-and-yell-fire helluva rock band.

emperors and elephants - devil in the lake - album - cover

Devil in the Lake is:

1. Bring it Down
2. Who You Are
3. Your Will
4. Man of God
5. Locust
6. Hit of Red
7. Deep Sleep
8. Change
9. Wicked Game
10. Ghost in the Mirror
11. You and I
12. Man of God-Dupermang Re-Mix -

Artist: Emperors & Elephants
Album: Devil in the Lake
Rating: 10/10

It’s pretty much a proven fact that the bands with the oddest names are the most impressive. Emperors and Elephants, a hard rock band out of good ol’ Chicago is no exception to that! Bringing you crushing riffs, banging beats and vocals that will make Alice in Chains & STP fans reminisce, their truly a band to watch out for in 2014! Their debut album, “Devil in the Lake” is 12 tracks of pure awesome, balls to the wall rock made just the way you love it!

From opening to end, you’re sure to find something you love in every track. Every song is better than the last! The band features former Texas Hippie Coalition guitarist, Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper and, those familiar with his work, will recognize those unforgettable riffs immediately! Vocalist, Jesse Andrews delivers the kind of vocal ability that you’ll never forget. Drummer, Jason Meudt keeps perfect time, really building the foundation for every track. Bassist, Ron “Stoppable” Vanders lays down those funky bass lines that keep you groovin’. Last, but CERTAINLY not least, what would rock be without some incredible riffage, solos and melodies from the axemen, in this case Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper and Jeph Stiph. Together, they make up a force to be reckoned with and create an album that will touch your heart, get you out of your seat and leave you salivating for more!

My favorite track on the album is probably “Locust”, which the band posted a short clip to awhile back. The way the band collectively delivers this track is truly remarkable! Not to mention the face-melting solos! If you don’t know or haven’t heard of E&E, you definitely don’t want to sleep on them! Pick up your copy of “Devil in the Lake” out on Pavement Entertainment, January 21st and discover that good ol’ Rock N Roll is still very much alive and kickin’! -

Formed in 2010, EMPEROR AND ELEPHANTS come from Chicago, where, despite its youth, have been gathering great momentum and have been touring with popular bands like SOIL. Their influence come from 90´s Grunge and blends it with the current hard rock scene. The recent addition of guitarist Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper, former of popular TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION brought the particular southern American sound that the band was looking for. As a result, we can find similarities to bands like ALICE IN CHAINS and ALTERBRIDGE.

I must say I didn´t even know this band, but when I listened to the album, it blew my mind away. Something very difficult nowadays. This band has the classic Hard Rock sound, yet blending it with the sounds of today to create an original sound that is lacking in the current music scene.

As soon as you start to listen to the first track “Bring it Down” you will remember the 90´s, when, in my opinion, were recorder most of the best Rock / Metal albums that we all know today. Those days when the bands worried about making good compositions and chorus, and the musician focused more on the songs than the appearance. That´s what you will find in “Devil in the Lake”. Songs full of energy, and where the Rock´s spirit can be always found. Like it should be. We can find a good example of this on “Who You Are” and “Man of God” tracks, both loaded of riffs that go direct to your face like a punch. The good job on the guitars of Randy “The Arsonist” Cooper is palpable. It should be noted that in 1991, an automobile accident in Oklahoma City turned the guitarist into a quadriplegic, confining him to a wheelchair and forcing him to regain his stride. After regaining motion in his right arm and both legs, Cooper spent an additional twelve months in rehab, recovering only one finger on his left hand. This contributes to the musician's unique style of playing.

One of the best and most highlight moments of the album comes with the Single-track “You Will”. With a brilliant chorus, Jesse Andrews shows once again his talent on the vocals, making a great performance and composition. This song gained so much attention from will rock listeners that they were invited to play an on air performance.

On the other hand, you can find also good melodies like the song “Hit of Red”, which could remind the love-songs of GUNS N´ROSES, provoking those special feelings that we all love. Here, we see the sweetest side of Jesse Andrews on the vocals. In this album we can find also the popular “Wicked game” cover by Chris Isaak, which has been adapted to a more rocker and fast version.

The Americans’ album debut will hit the stores this January, and it has many attributes to succeed. It will be welcomed by those who miss the Classic Rock scene and the essence of the old bands. -