Background and Release Information
Emperor of Sand is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Periphery. The album was released on October 14, 2016, through Sumerian Records. It follows their critically acclaimed 2014 album, “This Is the Shape of the World to Come.” Emperor of Sand is known for its experimental sound, blending elements of progressive metal, post-hardcore, and electronic music.
Production and Sound
Emperor of Sand was produced by the band themselves, with additional production work by Will Putney. The album showcases a more refined and polished sound compared to their previous works. The use of electronic elements and synthesizers adds a unique texture to the music, creating a sound that is both familiar and groundbreaking.
| Track | Length |
|---|---|
| 1. “The Black” (Part I) | 4:24 |
| 2. “The Black” (Part II) | 4:24 |
| 3. “The Black” (Part III) | 4:24 |
| 4. “The Black” (Part IV) | 4:24 |
| 5. “The Black” (Part V) | 4:24 |
| 6. “The Black” (Part VI) | 4:24 |
| 7. “The Black” (Part VII) | 4:24 |
| 8. “The Black” (Part VIII) | 4:24 |
| 9. “The Black” (Part IX) | 4:24 |
| 10. “The Black” (Part X) | 4:24 |
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of Emperor of Sand delve into themes of existentialism, the human condition, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The band’s lead vocalist, Spencer Sotelo, delivers powerful and thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with listeners. The album’s title itself, “Emperor of Sand,” symbolizes the fleeting nature of human existence and the insignificance of our presence in the universe.
Reception and Legacy
Emperor of Sand received widespread acclaim from both critics and fans. The album was praised for its innovative sound, intricate compositions, and compelling lyrics. Rolling Stone named it one of the best albums of 2016, and it has since been recognized as a landmark album in the progressive metal genre. The album’s success has solidified Periphery’s place as one of the most influential bands in modern rock music.
Track-by-Track Analysis
“The Black” (Part I) opens the album with a haunting melody and a powerful vocal performance by Sotelo. The track sets the tone for the rest of the album, blending electronic elements with heavy guitar riffs. “The Black” (Part II) continues the theme, with a breakdown that showcases the band’s ability to create intense and emotional moments.
“The Black” (Part III) features a more melodic approach, with clean guitar passages and a soothing vocal melody. The track transitions into “The Black” (Part IV), which is a fast-paced, heavy-hitting track that showcases the band’s technical prowess. “The Black” (Part V) returns to the melodic theme, with a breakdown that is both beautiful and haunting.
“The Black” (Part VI) is a slower, more introspective track that delves into the album’s themes of existentialism. The track is followed by “The Black” (Part VII), which is a fast-paced, aggressive track that showcases the band’s ability to create intense and energetic music. “The Black” (Part VIII) is a melodic track that features a beautiful vocal performance by Sotelo.
“The Black” (Part IX) is a fast
