Since forming in Hamburg, Germany four years ago, Collapse Under the Empire, which consists of the duo Chris Burda and Martin Grimm have received attention internationally for a unique brand of prog rock that manages to be at times beautiful and intimate and yet cinematic. On “Stairs to the Redemption,” the first single (and video) off the band’s forthcoming Sacrifice and Isolation reveals some growth in their sound – the guitars are much more aggressive and there’s a greater emphasis on electronics; in fact, you’ll hear swirling electronics in the background and they evoke a moody atmosphere to the song. 

The official video, directed by the London-based Dan Tassell, is a stunningly beautiful video, and full of several layers of symbolism, which the band has specialized in, throughout their career.