Sempiternal

Sempiternal is the fourth studio album by Bring Me the Horizon, the British rock band. It was globally released on 1 April 2013 under RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music, with a subsequent release on 2 April 2013 in the United States and Canada through Epitaph Records. This album marks the debut of Jordan Fish, formerly of Worship, as a keyboardist for the band, and the first time Lee Malia assumes both lead and rhythm guitar roles.

Crafted throughout 2012, Sempiternal showcases a blend of influences ranging from nu metal, electronic, ambient, and pop music. The title “Sempiternal” is derived from the archaic English term meaning “everlasting time,” rooted in the Latin “sempiternus,” combining “semper” (always) and “aeternum” (eternity).

The album produced four singles: “Shadow Moses,” “Sleepwalking,” “Go to Hell, for Heaven’s Sake,” and “Can You Feel My Heart.” Upon its release, Sempiternal debuted at No. 3 on the UK Album Chart and topped the ARIA Charts in Australia, also reaching No. 11 on the US Billboard 200 with 27,522 units sold in its first week. This achievement marked Bring Me the Horizon’s highest-charting album in the US until That’s the Spirit achieved No. 2 in 2015. Critically, the album received widespread acclaim.

In 2011, Bring Me the Horizon concluded their tour supporting their previous album There Is a Hell Believe Me I’ve Seen It. There Is a Heaven Let’s Keep It a Secret. Following a cancelled remix EP due to label issues with Visible Noise, the band announced their move to RCA Records in July 2011, seeking greater resources and support.

Throughout 2012, the band focused on writing and recording in the Lake District, a departure from their usual isolated settings like Arboga, Sweden, and rural Scotland for previous albums. The recording process, initially planned for May 2012, was postponed to allow more time for demos. Jordan Fish, initially a session musician, played a pivotal role in shaping Sempiternal’s sound, eventually becoming an integral part of the band.

Renowned producer Terry Date, noted for his work with bands like Deftones and Limp Bizkit, was brought on board mid-September to produce the album. Despite previous collaborations with other artists like Lights, Bring Me the Horizon chose to minimize guest appearances, except for backing vocals by members of Immanu El.

Sempiternal diverges from the band’s traditional sound by incorporating electronic elements more prominently, influenced by ambient music, dance, reggae, pop, and film soundtracks like those from Danny Boyle’s works. Lyrically, the album reflects Oliver Sykes’ personal journey through rehabilitation from ketamine addiction, exploring themes of self-reflection and existential musings.

Promotion for Sempiternal included innovative marketing strategies such as audio clips and teaser videos released online, culminating in a leaked album two months prior to its planned release. The band responded positively by streaming the album early and advancing its release dates.

The album’s critical success was underscored by positive reviews, with critics praising its cohesion, vocal performances, and blend of styles. Metacritic assigned Sempiternal an average score of 81 based on 12 reviews, indicating “universal acclaim.” It received accolades from publications like Kerrang! and Metal Hammer, cementing its place as a significant album in Bring Me the Horizon’s discography.

Bring Me the Horizon supported Sempiternal with extensive touring, culminating in a headline show at Wembley Arena in December 2014, marking the end of the album’s promotional cycle and setting the stage for future projects.