Empirical Returns with Apocalyptic Album 'Like Lambs: To The Slaughter'

British jazz ensemble Empirical has released their eighth album, 'Like Lambs: To The Slaughter', a 51-minute suite reworking drummer Shaney Forbes' 2022 EP. Following vibraphonist Lewis Wright's move to the US, the core trio—Nathaniel Facey (alto sax), Tom Farmer (double bass), and Shaney Forbes (drums)—is joined by pianist Ivo Neame and guitarist David Preston. The album explores herd mentality, ignorance, and societal collapse, blending contemporary classical, soundscape, post-bop, and free jazz. Forbes describes it as a concept album about being 'overstimulated and underinformed.' Tracks include 'Giants,' inspired by Yoruba music, and the three-part 'Like Lambs' suite. Released on Whirlwind/Indigo, the album marks a pivotal moment in Empirical's evolution.