Flicking through Instagram one day, I happen upon EMPEREUR, a tastefully furious post-punk band from Belgium. I see that another Belgian band1 has shared the video for EMPEREUR’s newest single. I don’t usually care much about music videos, but “Amor Fati” has me doubled over with brutal bass and arresting kick drum. “Holy sh*t” I think to myself, then immediately forward it on to a few friends that I think will like it. Weirdly not many Belgian bands seem to come north. EMPEREUR is one of those finds that keeps me looking across borders, asking questions and spreading the word to music friends.
What is the story of the song "Amor Fati"?
“Amor Fati” can be interpreted as an acceptance of fate but also as a mindset that turns obstacles into stepping stones and fosters a profound appreciation for life as it is, not as we wish it to be. Resilience is a term probably overused these days but it could be a clue to understanding the meaning of the song driven by self-deprecation, frustration, and toxic environment from close relationships.
Your forthcoming album Eau Rouge is your first since 2017 EP Everyday's Death and Resurrection Show. How, if at all, has your sound and songwriting evolved? What has influenced any of these changes?
Since our last LP, our keyboardist and singer has left the band, which forced us to evolve toward a more edgy and less melodic approach to our music. However, we still perform live with organ tracks that were used for the album's arrangements. As for the creative process, we always prioritize spontaneity and simplicity, most of our songs are fast and short.
Eau Rouge and EMPEREUR are described as "eager to fight in close quarters with the post-punk gentrification and moving stubbornly with the spirit of the bayonet, we were no one, screaming our guts out". W o a h, Who is responsible for the 'post-punk gentrification'?
In recent years, pop songs have been using increasingly fewer chords, and post-punk often likes to play with just one chord—not always, but it enjoys doing so. Bands like Fontaines D.C. and IDLES have contributed to the (2nd) revival of the scene. We feel that post punk has shifted from a subversive countercultural movement to a more polished, commodified product with its mainstream adoption though with less depth.
Your song "No Shelter" from the 2017 EP sounds like if The Smiths became a dark surf band (!) with a bit of Siouxsie. What's the story of this song?
The lyrics of “No Shelter” were written and sung by Thibaut, our ex-singer and keyboard player. For the production anecdote, the intro basses were played with an acoustic bass and there’s a darbuka at the beginning. The «ship is safe in the harbour» shouted during the chorus was a way to mock one of my teachers who quoted Paulo Coelho’s most famous novel The Alchemist - a ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for. There is a palpable religious ambiance in this track, especially during the pre-chorus: «an elevation, to new heights, we’re gonna miss you in the nights».
The new album is available 22 February 2025 and it looks like you're playing a release party in Brussels. Do you have more shows or plans for the album?
We’re really happy to share the stage at Le Botanique with Rendez-vous and their uncompromised, super tense and punchy post punk. We’ve been listening and following the band to their songs since their beginning. It’s very positive to observe that a French band can occupy such an important place on the international stage. We’d love to play in Holland, and we’d love to tour again with the upcoming release, of course all advices or concert suggestions are more than welcome.
Pre-order Eau Rouge February 7 via Bandcamp. The album will be released on February 21 on Icy Cold Records.
A release party for Eeu Rouge takes place at Botanique in Brussels February 22 - it’s a Saturday, so get yer tix and enjoy Brussels for the weekend!
Tour dates, videos and social links for EMPEREUR at » https://empe.re/ur/
Thank you Sarah Boom!