In the early ‘90s the Florida death metal scene thrived with such high caliber extreme acts as Morbid Angel, Death, Deicide and Obituary. Now that the spotlight has been turned away from this once prolific scene and given way to a more commercial rock environment, DIVINE EMPIRE continue to wave high the flag of individuality and forward thinking death metal. The band's latest release, Method Of Execution, is the final realization of the bands full potential and is by far one of the best records to come out of the Florida scene in a long time. For all those naysayers who may have doubted the legitimacy of the band in the past, this is your death sentence!

It has been a long and difficult road to success for DIVINE EMPIRE, but this has only helped the group grow stronger throughout the years. Originally formed in 1998 by vocalist/bassist Jason Blachowicz (ex-Malevolent Creation), guitarist J.P. Soars (ex-Malevolent Creation, ex-Paingod) and drummer Derik Roddy (ex-Malevolent Creation), this was to be the ultimate vessel through which these underground veterans combined creativity could flow. Through numerous festivals appearances and a dynamic seven-song demo, they achieved just that and began to develop a very loyal fan base. DIVINE EMPIRE quickly caught the attention of Olympic Recordings, who immediately offered them a deal. The group wasted no time recording their debut release, Redemption, which suddenly had extreme metal fans across the world praising them. After relentless touring with the likes of Vader, Borknagar, Witchery, Cryptopsy and Emperor, the band was struck with the untimely news of Roddy's departure in order to join Hate Eternal.

With Blachowicz and Soars realizing that together they were an unstoppable creative force, the duo forged on. After enlisting the talents of session drummer Alex Marquez (ex-Malevolent Creation, Demolition Hammer) they began the writing process for their second full-length release. 2000's Doomed to Inherit drew a heavier influence from the melodic style of European death metal while also keeping the brutal simplicity that earned them a rabid fanbase throughout the world. The band remained on the road through the greater half of that year, but once again constant lineup changes prevented their killing machine from moving forward.

After almost two years of endless searching, DIVINE EMPIRE happened upon the right drummer in the form of Duane Timlin (Anal Blast, Broken Hope, Forest of Impaled). In 2003, their third album, Nostradamus, was released, an appearance at the Fuck the Commerce Fest, various South American dates and relentless touring with the likes of Incantation, Obituary, Misery Index, Kataklysm, Skinless, Dying Fetus, Master and Benediction followed.

Opening with the crushing atmospheric track “Vowed Revenge,” it becomes immediately clear that Method Of Execution is a giant leap forward for the band. “Prelude to the Storm,” for example, provides some beautiful classical guitar melodies accompanied by violin and cello lines before blasting into “Storm of Hatred". Produced once again by Jeremy Staska (Malevolent Creation, Hateplow, Remembering Never, Nonpoint, Poison The Well), DIVINE EMPIRE have achieved their most stellar production to date. The guitars are clear yet dirty; the drums sound big yet sharp; and the bass cuts through beautifully, making Blachowicz's impressive techniques on the four-string apparent. He also gives the vocal performance of his career, displaying a range that could very well give Glen Benton a run for his money.

DIVINE EMPIRE have always released strong death metal records, but with Method Of Execution, the band has reached a creative zenith. They've grown from their straight ahead death metal origins to include a variety of influences, helping distance them from their Malevolent Creation brethren. Stronger melodies, catchier song structures and hints of classical, doom, black, and even classic rock all rear their ugly heads. Without a doubt the EMPIRE has solidified its reign and shall continue to rule for years to come.


Source: Label Officiel: http://www.centurymedia.com