Atlas : Empire - Mitchy Valentino sleeps with the Fishes by abadgeoffriendship

Progressive rock band Atlas : Empire return with their second EP, Somnus, which will be released on August 12th via Cold War Legacy Records.

The band were formed in the summer of 2011 by ex The Ocean Fracture’s Steven Gillies (Guitar, Vocals), multi- instrumentalist, and This Silent Forest’s, Jamie Sturt (Guitar, Vocals, Keys, Electronics) and Dave Stephen (Bass, Vocals). In October of that year Atlas : Empire were born when they found permanent drummer Jonny Gormley, before adding a third guitarist in March 2012 when ex Pareto and Sucioperro member, Dave Aird, joined the band.

Atlas : Empire cite the influence of Aereogramme, The Dear Hunter and Oceansize in the evolution of their sound, and this is charactrised by their unerring ability to create music that is both spacious and abrasive - a sound that many of their influences would be proud of.

Following on from their debut EP, To the Astronaut, Somnus further cements the loud, abrasive atmosphere that has become synonymous with the band. Tracks such as forthcoming single Mitchy Valentino Sleeps with the Fishes sum up Atlas : Empire’s sound perfectly - as echoing vocals are electrified by chugging distorted chords, incessant, sharp drumming and time changes galore.

The band show an impressive versatility throughout the record as they straddle various genres with ease. Post-hardcore sits neatly alongside the Maybeshewill inspired post-rock of ‘Keep This In The Shallows’, while Somnus is sprinkled with the eclectic spirit and instrumental ambience of Oceansize.

Somnus was recorded live in one night at Lo Fi Studios in Glasgow with engineer Neil Martin, before being mixed and mastered by producer Oz Craggs (Feed the Rhino, Jairus, Secondsmile). The EP will kickstart a busy second half of the year for Atlas:Empire as they are planning a Scottish tour in August to support the release and embarking on a UK- wide tour in October.

Atlas: Empire will release their second EP, Somnus, on August 12th via Cold War Legacy Records.