In 2007, EMIGRATE, the brainchild of Richard Z. Kruspe was introduced to the world. Initially, it was supposed to be a one-off project. Fast forward to 2021 and EMIGRATE have three albums under their belt. Their previous album, A Million Degrees, was an eclectic mix of 90s grunge, early 00s rock, and industrial metal.
EMIGRATE’S latest album, The Persistence of Memory takes the band’s eccentric sound one step further with influences of 70s glam rock and electronic music. It’s overtly extra and the album’s first single, Freeze My Mind, has no fear showing this new side of EMIGRATE with its dramatic concerto overlays. Always On My Mind, a song that’s been covered by the likes of PET SHOP BOYS is equally dramatic and the drama is intensified with the addition of Till Lindemann (RAMMSTEIN, Ex, LINDEMANN) providing vocals. The album’s opener, Rage, is also cinematic and serves as a perfect introduction to the big sounds yet to come.
The album continues to combine rock with electronic moments in Come Over. This is a spectacle of a track that utilises layers upon layers of melodies that have an enchanting, magical quality about them and easily captures your imagination, transporting you to whimsical worlds. Similarly, You Can’t Run Away, the album’s second single has major cinematic elements and almost sounds like it could be the theme song to the next James Bond film.
The Persistence of Memory takes a different turn with Hypothetical. While the song still has elements of glam sparkled throughout, it’s one of the heavier tracks on the record with a strong chord progression that’s reminiscent of LED ZEPPELIN’S, Kashmir. Things get even darker with Blood Stained Wedding. It’s here that we really see Kruspe’s heavier inspirations, with the song being comparable to those written by goth icons, SISTERS OF MERCY. The album’s finale, I Will Let You Go, is more like other tracks on the record (think You Can’t Run Away), only it’s less intense and more reliant on quieter moments. It has an interesting pace with slow, mysterious melodies creeping that comprise the chorus before escalating into a heavier chorus.
Overall, it’s clear that EMIGRATE is a passion project and the love that’s been thrown into the music really shows in their fourth album. It’s taken a while for the band to really find their foot as Kruspe continues to experiment with sounds, but in The Persistence of Memory, he’s managed to get the balance right mixing all his influences into one. The crystal-clear production makes the album just that more enjoyable as you’re able to fully immerse yourself into the world of EMIGRATE. You can hear every layer of carefully constructed melody that perhaps you wouldn’t have had the production not been turned up to 11.
As you can tell, The Persistence of Memory is an album that’s really made a mark on me. I appreciate the attention to detail put into the production, and I admire the creativity that’s required to be able to blend music styles that shouldn’t work together but absolutely do. If you’re looking for an album that’s over the top, then The Persistence of Memory should be your next listen.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Megan Taylor
The Persistence of Memory is out now via Emigrate Production/Sony Music Entertainment
