Spiritually charged, San Jose, California-based alternative rock outfit I Am Empire formed in 2008 around the talents of Austin Lyons (vocals), Andrew Stanton (lead guitar), Joshua Case (bass/vocals), Dan Otis (rhythm guitar), and Eric Martin (drums). With influences ranging from My Chemical Romance and Jimmy Eat World to Muse and Anberlin, the quintet began opening for the likes of Flyleaf, Deftones, and Silversun Pickups within a year of its inception, resulting in both local and national acclaim and, eventually, a record deal with Washington-based independent label Tooth & Nail, which released the group's debut album, Kings, in 2011. ~ James Christopher Monger