THE GREAT RUSSIAN EMPIRE (TGRE) is a dark rock collective from Montreal QC, born of a desire to create music in an environment where guitars don’t exist. This project features a double-bass approach from bassist Benoît Forté (The Lonely Sidewalkers/Coco Méliès/ex-Fallstaf/ex-North East Bistro) and bassist Nicolas Miquelon (Norilsk/Mortör/ex-Kintra).
The project is bred by the 1980’s new wave and early 1990’s alternative genre, by way of modern folk and various rock influences. Its bass orientation carries something different at its core, although familiar in its construction and arrangements. Far from referencing a pastiche, THE GREAT RUSSIAN EMPIRE’s name is a wink to the collective and eclectic nature of this musical venture.
TGRE released a first single, “Pig’s Blood” in 2014, to showcase the new entity’s persona. After revisiting the song’s arrangements, writing more material, and adding a few soldiers to its ranks (either permanent or session musicians), the collective re-entered the studio to assemble “Low Ends”. Dark in content, the EP’s lyrics are crafted around tragic personal events, and layered with vocals, violin and cello.
Teaming up with New Noise Magazine, THE GREAT RUSSIAN EMPIRE is premiering their second single and cover of Cop Shoot Cop’s “If Tomorrow Ever Comes” at the following link: http://newnoisemagazine.com/stream-great-russian-empire-tomorrow/
Bassist Benoît Forté comments:
“I knew Tod A. from CSC wrote all the songs so I got in touch with him about 2 years ago. He gave me his blessing on recording our version of IF TOMORROW EVER BECOMES. TGRE was born the first I heard CSC, about 25 years ago. Just didn’t know it yet at the time.”
“Low Ends” is due out September 8, 2017 and will be available in digital format via Bandcamp along with the CD version presented in a gatefold digi-sleeve.
Their first single “Blood Everywhere” can be heard at the following link here.
Track Listing:
1. Full of Blood (6:19)
2. The Hands That Bring The Road Kill To The Side (3:49)
3. If Tomorrow Ever Comes (Cop Shoot Cop cover) (6:03)
4. Blood Everywhere (3:52)
5. Pig’s Blood (3:56)
6. The Fence (4:15)
