Saigon metallic hardcore unit Empathize drop their self-titled debut EP, four tracks that turn anger, frustration, and inner conflict into a raw, uncompromising statement. Empathize is all about the harder fight: confronting fear, weakness, and self-betrayal in yourself.
You already know what Empathize sounds like when they hit a stage. This is the band that flew the flag for Vietnam on the Southeast Asian split “Beyond the Wire” via Stick Tight Records, ran their first overseas shows in Indonesia, and came home from the experience visibly sharper. Now they’ve put that same energy on record.
Across its four tracks, “Empathize” channels everything the band has been building toward into one focused release. The thesis is simple, and the band states it plainly: suffering is inevitable, but cowardice is a choice. No matter how harsh reality gets, you can always stand your ground, face it head-on, and become stronger than the person you were yesterday.
The record was tracked, mixed, and mastered by Blake. B, with Khoa Le contributing as assistant engineer alongside recording and mixing duties. That hands-on, scene-built approach runs through everything Empathize does.
This is a young band that stopped playing nice a while ago. Turn the volume up.
