I Am Empire
Artist profile

I Am Empire

I Am Empire formed in Atlanta in 2004 with Jimmy McWilliams on vocals and guitar, Sean Ripple on guitar and keyboards, Benjamin Payne on bass, and Zachary...

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Editor's note

I Am Empire's atmospheric rock and quiet persistence

An Atlanta band that weathered lineup shifts and personal turmoil while maintaining their moody, guitar-driven sound.

For a good sense of their sound, try 'The Elevator' or 'The Other Side Of The World'. Both have that mix of atmospheric keyboards and guitar-driven rock they kept returning to.

I Am Empire carved out a space in the 2000s alternative rock scene with songs that balanced ambient textures against straightforward rock energy. Tracks like 'To The Moon' and 'Carry On' showed their knack for atmospheric layers without losing melodic punch. Their music occasionally turned up in films and TV shows, which helped them reach listeners outside typical rock circles.

They formed in Atlanta in 2004 and released their debut 'Over the Top and Back Again' in 2007. After vocalist Jimmy McWilliams was dismissed in 2018 following harassment allegations, guitarist Sean Ripple took over lead vocals and the band regrouped with a shifted lineup. They released 'Love, War, and the Sea' in 2021.

edit_note Ethan Walker · LyroVerse team · Apr 19
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I Am Empire formed in Atlanta in 2004 with Jimmy McWilliams on vocals and guitar, Sean Ripple on guitar and keyboards, Benjamin Payne on bass, and Zachary Drake on drums. They released their debut album 'Over the Top and Back Again' in 2007, which got some attention for its moody alternative rock sound. Songs like 'To The Moon' and 'The Other Side Of The World' showed their mix of atmospheric textures and straightforward rock melodies.

They put out a few more albums over the next decade, including 'The Same Thing Over and Over' in 2010 and 'Diamond Teeth' in 2016. Their music sometimes turned up in films and TV shows, which helped them reach listeners outside the usual rock circles. Tracks like 'Carry On' and 'Hammers & Anvils' kept that balance of ambient layers and guitar-driven energy.

In 2018, McWilliams was accused of sexual harassment and assault. The band dismissed him after an internal investigation and went on hiatus for a while. Ripple took over lead vocals, and the lineup shifted to include Brian Purington on bass, Ryan DiPaolo on drums, and Michael LeNoir on keyboards. They released 'Love, War, and the Sea' in 2021.

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Where should I start with I Am Empire on LyroVerse?

The Start here section opens with The Elevator, To The Moon, and Carry On so you can move through the artist's stronger lyric pages first.

How many lyric pages are live for I Am Empire?

LyroVerse currently has 21 visible lyric pages for I Am Empire.

Does I Am Empire have photos on LyroVerse?

Yes. There are 4 photos available, and the preview gallery on this page links to the full photos section.

Does LyroVerse have an editor's note for I Am Empire?

Yes. The editor's note on this page is a short LyroVerse team guide, not a final verdict on the artist.

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