What makes IV: Empires Collapse by Warbringer notable?

The album was well-received, marking a resurgence for Warbringer within the thrash metal community. It debuted at number 8 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and was praised for its technical proficiency and lyrical depth, contributing to a renewed interest in traditional thrash during the early 2010s. IV: Empires Collapse is Warbringer's fourth studio album, following their previous release, Worlds Torn Asunder. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the thrash metal scene, showcasing a mature sound while maintaining their aggressive roots. The album reflects their ongoing evolution and commitment to the genre as they navigated a changing metal landscape.

Who is IV: Empires Collapse for?

IV: Empires Collapse works well if you're into relentless energy for workouts, short bursts of intensity and cathartic release of aggression.

How many songs are on IV: Empires Collapse?

IV: Empires Collapse has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

IV: Empires Collapse

Warbringer · 2013

41 min · 11 tracks · thrash metal

Aggressive thrash riffs intertwine with intricate solos, delivering a relentless onslaught of sound steeped in lyrical intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Horizon — Opening with a fierce energy, this track sets the tone for the album, combining rapid-fire riffs with thought-provoking lyrics about ambition and struggle.
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Black Sun, Black Moon — This song features dynamic shifts between melodic passages and aggressive thrash elements, encapsulating the band's ability to blend complexity with raw power.
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Dying Light — With its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, this track showcases Warbringer's range, balancing heavy instrumentation with emotional weight.
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Off With Their Heads! — This short yet explosive track captures the band's relentless spirit and features an intense tempo that energizes the overall experience of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive riffs with intricate solos, maintaining intensity while exploring dark themes.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a rapid-fire guitar riff that sets a high-energy pace, which is maintained through the next several songs.
The album's lyrical themes are consistently dark and intense, with each track exploring different facets of conflict and struggle.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

relentless energy for workouts
short bursts of intensity
cathartic release of aggression
headbanging anthems for gatherings
focused listening on adrenaline

Maybe skip if you

prefer mellow, soothing sounds
seek long, immersive narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: IV: Empires Collapse is Warbringer's fourth studio album, following their previous release, Worlds Torn Asunder. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their presence in the thrash metal scene, showcasing a mature sound while maintaining their aggressive roots. The album reflects their ongoing evolution and commitment to the genre as they navigated a changing metal landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Municipal Waste· Toxic Holocaust· Havok