US / THEM: Monolord release instrumental version of beloved 'Empress Rising' album for Bandcamp's pandemic relief day

"Without vocals, Empress Rising suddenly becomes a post-metal, stoner epic in the vein of Sleep’s Dopesmoker and Monster Magnet’s 30-minute opus 'Tab.' Arguably Monolord’s most atmospheric work, the instrumental treatment gives the album a new life and listening experience." -- Consequence of Sound

Swedish trio Monolord release a special all-instrumental version of their beloved 2014 debut album Empress Rising today via Bandcamp in support of the online merchant's pandemic relief effort. The instrumental mix is streaming in full via Consequence of Sound HERE. (Direct Bandcamp HERE.)

Bandcamp is giving 100% of their revenue for all sales today, May 1st, to artists as part of their efforts to help bands impacted by the pandemic with canceled tours, postponed album releases, loss of work, etc. RidingEasy Records will also give the band 100% of the profits from sales of this special release today.

Monolord formed in 2013, quickly recording their 2xLP debut Empress Rising, which RidingEasy Records released on April 1st, 2014. The second album, Vænir, followed April 28th, 2015. The band's third album, Rust, released September 29th, 2017, was a critical and commercial breakthrough. It would be the band's last for RidingEasy, though the band remain managed by label head Daniel Hall, elevating them to the Relapse Records roster for their 2019 full length No Comfort.

Empress Rising (instrumental) is available for download and streaming on all platforms on May 1st, 2020 via RidingEasy Records.