Just about every publication, YouTuber, or TikTok influencer seems to share a similar sentiment when it comes to rock music. They all believe it’s dead. These content creators insist it’s outdated, uncool, and no longer fits in with what the masses deem as relevant. In fact, when I look at Spotify charts or hear what people call “rock music” (i.e. Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, etc.), I tend to agree with them. However, depending on how old you are, you might remember something called “grunge” from the early ’90s. With the release of Empress, it’s clear that Transylvania Stud remembers.
After the disbandment of his previous band Navaeh, Andrew Godfrey formed Transylvania Stud. For the Nashville native, this one-man-band project serves as his creative outlet for his love of psych, noise, and metal. With the release of 2016’s Red Queen, he instantly found his groove. He immediately expanded on it through a series of re-imagined covers and eventually a second LP, entitled White Witch.
If Empress says anything, it’s that Godfrey remains committed to his noise rock values.
Right out of the gate, “Threads” kicks things off with a chunky guitar riff. Not only catchy, but it’s a perfect reminder that Transylvania Stud has never shied away from a good hook. “Clover Club” elevates that notion with a Stones-y shuffle in its rhythm. “Change Your Mind” sees the return of Red Queen’s spaciness, and you hear it even more so with “Praxis.” The psychedelic aspect of “Fangs” puts the album in darker territory and continues it with “Sticks & Stones”. The closing track, “Nevermind,” sees Godfrey at his most experimental with winding rhythms and discordant melody.
The explorations coursing throughout Empress can be attributed to the collaborations on each track. John Lancaster (of 4ohm Mono), The By Gods, Juicebox Desmond, Them Fixes, Worker, and Modern Witchcraft all make appearances. Despite each track being a collaborative effort, you won’t hear the reinvention of any wheels on this album. With slick production from The By Gods’ George Pauly, Transylvania Stud is an ever-evolving project that’s always coming into its own. Even Godfrey’s vocals have outgrown the Josh Homme-esque monotone of his first two albums and developed into something closer resembling Chris Cornell meets Scott Weiland.
In just 7 tracks and a brisk runtime, Empress covers more sonic ground than any other Transylvania Stud release thus far.
I hate to use “grunge” as a genre, but there’s no mistaking how that sound influences much of Godfrey’s aesthetic. That’s not to say Empress sounds archaic or waxes nostalgic. Make no mistake: This is very much a modern record with a fresh take on melodic hard rock. But it’s important to remember that the entire grunge movement arose because several musicians grew tired of how cold and corporate the music industry had become.
Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Nirvana felt like a breath of fresh air when facing off against Bon Jovi, Warrant, or even Guns N Roses. The Aqua Net party was over, as grunge cared less about getting laid and more about using music an outlet for angst and discontent. History has a wild way of repeating itself, and I think pop culture is on that same cusp of stagnant, incomprehensible boredom as it was in the late ’80s.
If Transylvania Stud is our new alternative, I’m completely cool with it.
Empress is currently available on Helsing Records and Bandcamp