Empirical - Like Lambs: To The Slaughter [audioCD]

Empirical delivers their eighth album, Like Lambs: To The Slaughter, a powerful statement released on Whirlwind Recordings that serves as a warning for our current troubled times. Following the departure of vibraphonist Lewis Wright, the award-winning UK jazz ensemble has embraced a more flexible lineup, featuring Nathaniel Facey (alto saxophone), Tom Farmer (double bass), and Shaney Forbes (drums), augmented by high-caliber guests like Ivo Neame (piano) and David Preston (guitar).

This release is a radical reworking of drummer Shaney Forbes' unconventional long-form suite, originally issued as a self-released EP. The album unfolds as a single, uninterrupted 51-minute musical story, drawing the listener through an irresistible maelstrom of changing emotional states, culminating in the unsettling fever-pitch peak of the title segment. Empirical creates an astounding and formally cohesive articulation of their unique sonic world, showcasing exceptional virtuosity, musical empathy, and daring emotional expressiveness. This release stands out even by Empirical's high standards.

The music traverses the terrain between contemporary classical music, soundscape, post-bop, and free jazz. The band draws inspiration from the jazz of the 1960s, particularly its representation of Black musicians' struggle for respect, freedom, and civil rights, often rooted in faith as a moral foundation. Shaney Forbes notes that the music manifests the collective's belief in transcending current crises through collaboration rather than competition.

• Eighth album from the award-winning UK jazz ensemble, Empirical.
• Features a radical reworking of a long-form suite by drummer Shaney Forbes.
• Uninterrupted 51-minute musical experience.
• Guest contributions from collaborators Ivo Neame (piano) and David Preston (guitar).
• Explores musical territory spanning contemporary classical, soundscape, post-bop, and free jazz.

• Artist: Empirical
• Album: Like Lambs: To The Slaughter
• Format: audioCD
• Weight: 109g
• Country of Origin: United Kingdom
• Number of Discs: 1
• EAN: 5065024546144
• Release Date: 26 Jun 2026

Experience this formally cohesive and emotionally expressive articulation of Empirical's unique sound, a standout release rooted in virtuosity and collective musical empathy.