The Hollow Crown: ENTHEOS and the Modern Metal Identity Crisis
There’s something hauntingly apt about ENTHEOS naming their latest album Empty On The Inside. In an era where music often feels overproduced and emotionally sterile, the band’s decision to strip back to raw, visceral energy feels like a rebellion. But what’s truly fascinating is how this album isn’t just a sonic statement—it’s a psychological one. The title itself is a provocation, a mirror held up to both the band and their audience. Are we all, in some way, empty on the inside, filling the void with noise, nostalgia, or worse, toxic attachments?
The Golden Crown: A Metaphor for Modern Identity
Let’s start with the single Golden Crown. Personally, I think this track is a masterclass in duality. On the surface, it’s a nod to ’90s rock—creepy synths, explosive breakdowns, and a chorus that sticks like glue. But dig deeper, and the lyrics reveal something darker: the idea of wearing a relationship like a crown, something that both defines and destroys you. Chaney Crabb’s vocals, which effortlessly shift from melodic to ferocious, embody this tension. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just a song about love gone wrong—it’s a critique of how we let external things (relationships, success, even music) become our identity. If you take a step back and think about it, isn’t that the modern condition? We’re all wearing golden crowns, glittering but heavy, and wondering why our necks ache.
The ’90s Revival: More Than Just Nostalgia
ENTHEOS’s decision to channel ’90s rock and metal isn’t just a trend-chasing move. In my opinion, it’s a deliberate rejection of the overproduced, quantized sound that dominates modern metal. The ’90s were about raw emotion, about imperfections that made the music feel alive. By prioritizing authentic performances over polished production, ENTHEOS is making a statement: they’d rather be real than perfect. This raises a deeper question: in an age where AI can write and produce music, what does it mean for a band to sound human? ENTHEOS’s answer is clear: embrace the grit, the flaws, the feeling.
Collaboration as a Creative Lifeline
One thing that immediately stands out is the band’s emphasis on collaboration. With members from ANIMALS AS LEADERS, FALLUJAH, and ALLEGAEON, Empty On The Inside is a melting pot of influences. But what’s truly interesting is how cohesive it feels. This isn’t a supergroup flexing their technical muscles—it’s a unified vision. From my perspective, this is where ENTHEOS outshines many of their peers. In a genre often criticized for being self-indulgent, they’ve managed to create something greater than the sum of its parts. What this really suggests is that collaboration, not ego, is the future of metal.
The Visuals: A Symphony of Contrast
The album’s artwork, created by Zac Shiffer, is a detail that I find especially interesting. It’s striking, yes, but it’s also deeply symbolic. The contrast between beauty and decay mirrors the album’s themes of emptiness and identity. It’s not just a cover—it’s a visual manifesto. In a world where album art is often an afterthought, ENTHEOS reminds us that every element matters. This attention to detail is what separates a good album from a great one.
The Live Experience: Where the Music Breathes
ENTHEOS’s current tour with JINJER is more than just a promotional run—it’s a testament to their live prowess. Reviews praising Crabb’s vocals and the band’s precision are well-deserved, but what’s often overlooked is how their live shows amplify the album’s themes. Seeing them perform Golden Crown live, you can’t help but feel the weight of that metaphorical crown. It’s not just a song—it’s an experience, a reminder that music is meant to be felt, not just heard.
Looking Ahead: The Future of ENTHEOS and Metal
If Empty On The Inside is any indication, ENTHEOS is poised to redefine what progressive metal can be. But what makes this particularly fascinating is their ability to balance innovation with accessibility. They’re not alienating casual listeners with technical wankery, nor are they dumbing down their sound for mass appeal. It’s a tightrope walk, and they’re nailing it. Personally, I think this album is a blueprint for how metal can evolve without losing its soul.
Final Thoughts: The Crown We All Wear
As I reflect on Empty On The Inside, I’m struck by how much it resonates beyond the music. It’s an album about identity, about the things we wear—literally and metaphorically—and how they shape us. In a world where authenticity feels increasingly rare, ENTHEOS has delivered something raw, real, and unapologetically human. So, the next time you put on your favorite album or wear your metaphorical crown, ask yourself: is it empowering you, or is it slowly crushing you?
Because, in the end, we’re all empty on the inside—it’s what we choose to fill that void with that truly matters.
