UK metal outfit Employed to Serve are celebrating the release of their fifth studio album, Fallen Star, which arrived on April 25, 2025, via Spinefarm Records. Featuring guest appearances from Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach and Svalbard’s Serena Cherry, the record pushes the band’s boundaries, melding ferocity with the raw emotional vocals of Justine Jones and co-vocalist/guitarist Sammy Urwin. Metal Insider caught up with the group for a deep dive into their latest effort.
Can you talk about how the new album, Fallen Star, came together and what inspired its direction?
We really took our time with this album, usually we stick to 2 years in between albums but this time we waited just over 3 years. We wanted to concentrate on the dynamics of the record more for this one, as Conquering was a straight up assault all the way through. During this album we were listening to a lot of In Flames and Soilwork, which I think has shone through in how the tracks sound.
How do you feel the band’s sound has evolved since Conquering, and how do you think Fallen Star reflects that growth?
When we wrote conquering we had a brand new lineup, we were still getting used to how each other worked whilst we were making that album. With Fallen Star, we’ve been a band for almost four years with the current line up and I feel that’s reflected in how the tracks feel more confident.
What was it like collaborating with Lorna Shore’s Will Ramos on “Atonement” and Killswitch Engage’s Jesse Leach on “Whose Side Are You On?”
They were both wonderful to work with. We also had our friend Serena Cherry (Svalbard) guest on the track ‘Last Laugh’. I love it when a guest part just pops off, I feel like every vocalist has elevated the track they featured on.
What songs were more challenging to write?
Last Laugh was the most challenging song to write, this is because its also the most simple song on the album. We knew we had a good hook on our hands with the chorus, but we needed to make sure the bits around it would elevate it to its full potential.
What inspired the lyrics for the song, “Breaks Me Down?”
‘Breaks Me Down’ deals with the uncertainty of death and what it means for us left here on earth when someone we love passes beyond the veil. It’s something we will all experience at some point in our lives and yet there’s no one handbook that can guide you through the experience of grief. That being said, it makes life more precious and motivates you to make the most of the time we have with the people we love and not waste another minute.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of your debut album Greyer Than You Remember. Do you have any plans to celebrate the milestone?
Honestly we almost forgot about it, I have no idea where time has gone! We’re going to do some special merch to celebrate the release! There are currently no plans to play it in full, but we might do one day.
Speaking of ten years, what has it been like to watch Employed to Serve evolve over the past decade, and where do you see the band heading moving forward?
It’s been a wild ride that’s for sure! We started this band just wanting to play some shows and releasing something on vinyl. I’m really excited to see where the next 10 years take us! We just want to keep releasing albums we’re proud of and hopefully play outside Europe.
What’s next for Employed to Serve after the release of Fallen Star?
We have our UK headline tour on release week as well as some awesome Summer festivals coming up. We have a stacked end of 2025 and early 2026, which we’ll announce soon 😉
Is there anything else you’d like to say or add about the new album?
Thank you to everyone who has checked out our band/music so far!
Feature Image Photo Credit: Bethan Miller
