Empired

Empired

California Punk Rock/Post-hardcore

Featuring members with roots in Outspoken, Last Light, The Sleeping Sea-King, Fiction Reform, Dime Runner, The Overrides, Piss N’ Blood & more, Empired pulls from a wide spectrum of punk, alternative, and rock influences. The result is a sound that feels both fresh and familiar — urgent yet melodic, polished yet raw.

Empired’s story begins when bassist/vocalist Jai Hansel, drummer Danny Baeza, and guitarist/vocalist Bruce Zebal first came together in Orange County, CA. What started as casual jams quickly revealed undeniable chemistry — the kind that turns riffs into songs almost instantly. Wasting no time, the trio headed into the studio with acclaimed producer Paul Miner to record their first five tracks, locking in their punchy, melodic, and hard-hitting sound.

As their vision expanded, the band realized they needed a second guitarist to fully capture the sonic depth they were after. Enter Cameron Mosavian, whose addition brought a new layer of power and texture to the lineup. With the four-piece solidified, Empired charged ahead, completing the writing and recording of their debut album, Finding Calm in the Chaos.

Released independently, Finding Calm in the Chaos showcased the band’s knack for blending melodic hooks, driving rhythms, and a raw, emotional edge. The album’s release was followed by a string of shows across Southern California, where the band quickly built a reputation for energetic, passionate performances.

In January 2025, Empired signed with Hey!Fever Records, marking a major milestone. With the support of the label, the band released their sophomore full length album, Strikes Back, in fall 2025. The album pushed the band’s sound even further — with heavier, more dynamic, and unafraid to tackle bigger themes.

They've also been given the seal of approval from people such as Actor/Punk Rock fan Kevin Smith.

Big tours, more tunes and the same ugly dudes are looking to bring their brand of high energy music to you!

Music & Videos

1

Iron River 3:32

Free

0:00/3:32
2

Sex Shop Music (feat. Linh Le) 2:27

0:00/2:27
3

Repose 3:12

0:00/3:12
4

Paradise 2:29

0:00/2:29
5

Money 3:52

0:00/3:52

Notable Touring

Europe Tour (Co-Headlining with Heartwells) - Nov. 11 - Nov. 24, 2025 w/ City Rat Booking
Into Another - Garden Grove, CA. (Support)
Punk Rock Bowling Pre-Party , The Aggrolites - Las Vegas, NV. (Support)
Get Dead - San Francisco, CA. (Support)
Heartwells/Empired Co-Headline West Coast Tour. Eugene,OR. Seattle, WA. Portland, OR. Boise, ID. Medford, OR. San Francisco, CA. Long Beach, CA.
BadCopBadCop/Get Dead - Anaheim, CA. (Support)
Empired - Punk Rock Museum, Pennywise Garage
Get Dead, Codefendants, DFL - Long Beach, CA. (Support)
Codefendents - San Fransicsco, CA (Support)
Heartwells/Empired Co-Headline Mid-West Tour. Chicago, IL / Dayton, OH / Grand Rapids, MI
The Jack Knives Album Release - Costa Mesa, CA (Support)
Empired Album Release Party - Hosted by Kevin Smith - Long Beach, CA

PLaylists

Punk Rock Museum (Fat Mike, NOFX) - Spotify
All New Punk - Spotify
Get Alternative - New Music Friday - Spotify
Fresh Indie - Spotify
Pop-Punk Power Hour - Spotify
Girl at the Rock Shows - Spotify
New Pop Punk Jams - Spotify
Post-Hardcore is not Dead - Spotify
Pop Rock - Spotify
Emerging Punk - Spotify
Rockin Too Hard - Spotify
All About Pop Punk - Spotify

Press

Photos

Kevin Smith Affiliation

Kevin Smith became a fan of the band in 2023

After hearing the track 'Paradise'. Since then Kevin has been an active supporter of Empired, and has hosted numerous events with Empired part of the line up.