Everything We Will Leave Beyond Us

Released in late 2020, 'Everything We Will Leave Beyond Us' serves as a definitive statement in Collapse Under the Empire's decade-plus career. The German duo, Chris Burda and Martin Grimm, have long been masters of the 'electronic post-rock' niche, but this album pushes the cinematic elements to their logical extreme. The record functions as a conceptual reflection on the human footprint and the cycles of destruction and rebirth, a theme mirrored in the track titles. Sonically, it maintains a high level of digital clarity, eschewing the lo-fi grit of some peers for a polished, 'hi-fi' experience that emphasizes the contrast between sharp electronic transients and broad guitar strokes. Critically, it was noted for its ability to maintain tension without the need for vocals, relying instead on structural dynamics and a sophisticated use of synthesizers that often take the lead over traditional instrumentation.