From Our Times, February 7th, 1992
Tuning In
by Steve Clements
Course of Empire is a Dallas based band that's getting some alternative-radio
airplay with their self-titled debut album. The music dances around the edges
of industrial and thrash, featuring pounding drums, harsh guitars and
synthesizers.
"Coming of the Century" provides a sampler of the different musical styles
encompassed by the band. The song begins with held-out, twisted guitar chords
joined with majestic drumming and dark lyrics, then spirals down into a white-
noise finale.
"Copious" starts with a basic industrial drum kit beat (the one that sounds
like a hammer driving spikes) joined with acoustic and electric guitars. Each
verse is the springboard for the chorus, when the drums hammer around Vaughn
Stevenson's shouted vocals.
Some of the songs are too derivative, but more of them are original and
creative. Chad Lovell's percussion is the best I've heard in a while.
Stevenson's voice and vocal style are reminiscent of Jim Morrison.
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