Imagine setting sail into a vast, uncharted ocean where every wave carries a story, every gust of wind a whisper of ancient truths. This is the world Rusty Shipp invites listeners into with their latest release, Capsized Empire. Emerging from Nashville’s vibrant rock scene, this band has crafted a 17-track concept album that is as much a spiritual expedition as it is a musical one. Bold and bizarre, soaked in saltwater symbolism, Capsized Empire pushes the boundaries of genre and storytelling like never before.
For fans of King’s X, Muse, and Foo Fighters, Rusty Shipp offers a blend of grunge, surf rock, punk, swing, jazz, and folk that creates a soundscape both familiar and refreshingly original. Frontman Russ T. Shipp’s commanding presence steers the band through themes as weighty as the Problem of Evil, systemic injustice, and the pursuit of redemption in a fractured world.
Building on the nautical themes of their 2022 album Dark Side of the Ocean, Capsized Empire is an ambitious continuation that dives deeper into the moral and philosophical waters. The album opens with “All Aboard!”, a rousing call to hope and community, before plunging into stormier seas with tracks like “Neck Breaker” and “On the Docks.” The latter delivers one of the album’s most piercing lines: “Show me something I need more than food and I’ll fish for that instead,” encapsulating the struggle for survival and meaning.
Musically, Rusty Shipp casts a wide net. There’s a sea shanty (“Spanish Ladies”) that pays homage to maritime tradition, a rare Beatles cover (“1882”), and experimental narration segments featuring voices from their own fanbase. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a theatrical voyage with ballast, buoyancy, and hidden compartments waiting to be discovered.
The finale, “Sinners in the Hands,” reimagines the classic hellfire sermon not as a threat, but as an embrace of mercy and divine love. Instead of fear, listeners are met with compassion—a powerful conclusion to a deeply reflective journey.
Critics have hailed Capsized Empire as one of the most creative and emotionally raw albums of 2025. It’s messy, heartfelt, and unapologetically ambitious, carving out a unique space in the contemporary Christian and alternative rock scenes.
Available now on all streaming platforms, the physical CD edition comes with expanded artwork, storyline, and liner notes to fully immerse fans in the conceptual experience. Rusty Shipp isn’t just making music — they’re crafting an epic tale that spans oceans, centuries, and spiritual battles.
For those ready to embark on a musical voyage unlike any other, Capsized Empire is the ship to board.