Review: Rusty Shipp – Capsized Empire
Here I am once again from my perch (or stool searching skyward depending on your point of view) at The Legacy Desk ready to bring more observations and opinions delivered through the medium of the printed page (or digital screen!).
Now let me be the first to say Rusty Shipp is NOT a metal band. So you ask “Dude why are reviewing it then???” I’m so glad you asked! First off because I was asked to, so there is that. Secondly, hmm… not everything has to have to sonic quality of a cement mixer (not that there is anything wrong with that, if that’s your jam) does it?
However in the case of their latest album “Capsized Empire” there is plenty of FUZZ (and I mean plenty o’ FUZZ) and CRUNCH on those guitars that my ears perk up and have to listen. Some (including myself) have thrown the ‘grunge’ label toward these guys and while elements of that are present, Rusty Shipp is an amalgam of modern rock/grunge/70s classic rock with plenty of groovy infectious melody that gets embedded in your brain without letting up.
The music swirls from hard rock, reggae, surf rock, sludgy grunge and interspersed narrative bits. It just works!! Don’t ask me why but I really love this record. And when I mention the 70s bit I’m not exaggerating there, it feels like the 70s element for song structure is the base where the songs expand and move into other realms.
Now with this release a full on story (concept album) is brought to the listener. Discussing the problem of evil and make no mistake it’s not just lip service but lyrically developed and presented as a well thought out story. “Operation Mindcrime” level story telling here my friends. Yes, you read that right.
Using their art to discuss and wrestle with such a deep and complicated theological premise I have to congratulate these guys. This is a well developed story with no easy answers, even though many of us claim to “have figured it all out…”
From the album liner notes “This story addresses the problem of evil in the world. Each song responds to this problem from a different angle – as we hear hear from the voices of those grappling with the painful consequences of evil, as well as from those inflicting the pain. As the album progresses, philosophical layer is build upon layer to expand the intellectual understanding and emotional empathy to all affected by the problem (Which is ALL OF US!).
Heady stuff.
And I haven’t even mentioned that ALL of this is presented with the continued “nautical images” storyline. Yes we have Pirates! Scally wags!! Sailors, Mermaids, Sea Angels and Davey Jones Locker! (well maybe not Davey Jones locker). Does this sound convoluted? Perhaps, but the nautical sheen is part of the charm and quite frankly rather refreshing.
How many more ‘Mark of the Beast’ images and songs do I need to hear??
The beauty here is that the musicianship is top notch. The production is wonderful and complements the songs to no end. If nothing else you can get lost in the atmosphere of the music and storyline from the nautical point of view. The amount of work, time and careful crafting of the music is evident.
Hence, the ART of this is something so many Christian music fans have CLAMMORED for. So often we get something half baked, perhaps the lyrical content is solid but musically the muscle is weak. The craft of developing a SONG which is memorable and timely is no easy task and it seems Russ and crew are able to develop and assemble them at will.
Whether it’s the albums first single ‘Neck Breaker’ with it’s heavy/fuzz riff and catchy chorus. However there are DYNAMICS throughout, lower key verses and greater layers during the chorus.
“Don’t break your neck running from the gallows/You’re saving their souls by sending Earth to Hell/So don’t waste your breath cheering me up with good news/I swear it sounds like your singing the blues” … heavy groovy and a gut punch with it’s mix of Muse, Foo Fighters for sure.
The 70s AC/DC inspired riff of ‘Tough Guys’ with it’s description of Pirates and their own point of view. How about The Ventures inspired ‘Aquamoto’ one of my favorite songs on the album and if you don’t know who The Ventures were (there’s some homework for you) shame on you! Groovy instrumental surf rock which belts it out.
And in a similar vein as in their last release with a Pink Floyd cover, ‘Capsized Empire’ features a cover of a Paul McCartney and Wings cover of ‘1882.’ So strong and emotional, and lyrically just fits in like a glove with the rest of the album. Atmospheric, introspective and powerful.
For such a heavy concept this is still a very fun album. I suppose when you get to the bottom this album is about the grace and love of God and if that isn’t something to celebrate then I don’t know what is. This album is one you can sit with and find something new upon each listen.
‘Nefarious’ lays out the dark and rather haunting practice of child sacrifice. Discussing the sacrifices of Moloch and the Valley of Hinnom in the Old Testament. Starting with a haunting piano melody this song builds to a powerful conclusion musically. How they pull this off without feeling clunky or cheesy is one for the ages. It lands directly in your heart and allows you to discover who really is ‘Nefarious’.
I really didn’t think Rusty Shipp would top their previous album ‘Dark Side of the Ocean.’ It’s quite possible they not only topped it but have surpassed it! Personally I haven’t been this excited about a release since I discovered Grave Robber’s music and lyrical allegory back in 2010.
It has been mentioned that there are elements of Muse, Foo Fighters, 70s rock, however I would also include 90s era 77s for sure. All these elements have created a wonderful and undoubtedly classic rock album. Again this is NOT A METAL album but with material this good only a narrow minded scallywag would not enjoy it.
A top ten album for me in 2025 for sure! The Legacy Desk might well be a lofty perch but I love when I scoop up gems like this, the pleasure is mine… Ahoy Matey! Until next time.
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