Anchors

On its third album, Anchors, I Am Empire navigates the sweet spot between post-hardcore aggression and ‘80s-era metal bombast. The San Jose–based Christian quintet has done some growing since 2011’s Kings; both the songwriting and performance display more definition and bite, enhanced by Brian McTernan’s widescreen production. Austin Lions’ vocals continue to be the band’s focal point. Combined with Andrew Stanton’s heroic lead guitar work, Lions infuses tracks like “Daylight,” “Gasoline," and “The Mastermind in Me” with a palpable sense of desperation. The struggle to overcome mortal weakness and find salvation is a recurring theme, whether the message is delivered with hard rock crunch (“Labor”) or a touch of U2-like grandeur (“Daylight”). The bopping beat of “Gravity Bomb” prepares the way for ruminating midtempo numbers like “Remedy” and “Blackout.” “Sing” (a praise song that rides an upsweeping melodic line) and “Tell Me Mirror” (a barbed attack on self-deception and hypocrisy) are notable for their visceral musical kicks with thoughtful, probing lyrics.