From Our Times, February 7th, 1992

Tuning In
by Steve Clements 
 
Course of Empire is a Dallas based band that's getting some alternative-radio 
airplay with their self-titled debut album. The music dances around the edges 
of industrial and thrash, featuring pounding drums, harsh guitars and 
synthesizers. 

"Coming of the Century" provides a sampler of the different musical styles
encompassed by the band. The song begins with held-out, twisted guitar chords 
joined with majestic drumming and dark lyrics, then spirals down into a white-
noise finale. 
 
"Copious" starts with a basic industrial drum kit beat (the one that sounds 
like a hammer driving spikes) joined with acoustic and electric guitars. Each 
verse is the springboard for the chorus, when the drums hammer around Vaughn 
Stevenson's shouted vocals. 

Some of the songs are too derivative, but more of them are original and 
creative. Chad Lovell's percussion is the best I've heard in a while. 
Stevenson's voice and vocal style are reminiscent of Jim Morrison.