Reviews

The pedigree of members in this band ranges from such hardcore giants as Shai Hulud, The Hope Conspiracy, The Killing Tree, and Stabbed By Words.  With most bands, the pedigree is featured prominently to draw in old fans and create a buzz of anticipation around the first release, before being able to sell the band on its own. With holy roman empire, their members’ performing descent is as misleading as it is impressive.  From hardcore roots springs a melodic and medium paced six song ep, prominently featuring a classically trained female singer, overlapping guitar work laden with effects, and an ear for simple melodies. 
 
There are good and bad things here, but overall the good does outshine the bad a little. Sometimes the vocals can be very conservative in their range, singer Emily Schambra (from Long Distance Runner) does not showcase a huge vocal talent akin to bands like Denali, at least on this first EP. Often times she stays instead just above talking level, which is not distressing but rather unchallenging to the listener and a little boring at times. 
 
The guitars sometimes are overcome by effects, as well, such as on the second track Guards Off, where the flange pedal should have been turned off immediately because it clutters and cheapens the heavier riffs. What they do well, however, is build the songs, especially evident with the drums working in the background. It shows a little bit of the hardcore influence, as well as with the “harder” parts, where things get a little faster and the guitars get distorted and heavier. They show their musical experience by mixing the melodic and more traditionally punk/hardcore sounds well and by keeping the recording tight and on time.  the best song is probably the fourth, Topography. Check it out if you like things a little softer.