Against Empire – “Thieves and Leeches”

Thieves and Leeches is the 2011 full-length studio album from Los Angeles-based crust punk band Against Empire. Released as a 12-inch vinyl LP by Profane Existence, the physical release was distributed on standard black vinyl alongside a limited solid yellow color variant.

The material delivers an uncompromising blend of driving American anarcho-punk and heavy Scandinavian-influenced d-beat crust. Recorded and mixed at Gossamer Studios and mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door Studios, the instrumentation prioritizes massive, distorted guitar layers, punishing rhythmic tempos, and bleak, anti-capitalist lyrical themes. The record also features a localized nod to the foundational roots of the genre, closing out the B-side with a cover of the track “Another Mouth to Feed” by 1980s peace-punk pioneers Crucifix.

Track Listing:

Side A
1. Thieves And Leeches
2. Dawn Of The Century
3. Live For Yourself
4. What If Tomorrow Never Comes

Side B
5. Deaf Leading The Blind
6. Wordsmiths
7. Another Mouth To Feed (Crucifix cover)
8. Angel Tears