Earlier this year, London-based trio Black Orchid Empire exploded onto the scene and captivated hearts with their singles ‘God Is Awake’ and ‘Come In’. Those two releases gained the band critical acclaim, with people likening them to arena-heavyweights Muse and Biffy Clyro, and saw expectations rise further for the impending release of their debut album ‘Archetype’.
From the start, it’s clear that this is a solid rock album. Beneath the chunky riffs lies ground-shaking power during ‘God Is Awake’, offset by frontman Paul Visser’s commanding vocals. Melodic hooks rear their head plenty during tracks such as ‘This City’ and ‘Riches & Rags’ whilst a slick bass line is incredibly prominent in ‘Speed Of Sound’, an adrenaline-fuelled anthem if there ever was one.
‘Melancholia’ is stripped back, allowing Visser’s vocals to swell and soar over the delicate picking of guitars. There are plenty of mammoth riffs and saucy guitar licks during ‘Riff of Death’ making this a buzzing highlight, then there’s the vibrant and dynamic ‘Walking Disaster’, while ‘Medicine’ brings forth plenty of jagged riffs that you can really sink your teeth into.
In ‘Archetype’, Black Orchid Empire have proved that they’re part of the resurging British rock movement. With catchy hooks and melodic bites, it won’t be long until they’re commanding a room full of people from the stage in an arena.
JESS TAGLIANI