ADAM NIGHTINGALE Napoleon’s latest EP “Dear God” erupts like a sonic grenade, shattering expectations and redefining the band’s musical trajectory. Frontman Jon Elmaleh, with a newfound intensity in his eyes, sits across from me in a dimly lit backstage room, ready to dissect the raw, unapologetic manifesto that challenges the very foundations of faith and self-doubt. As the alt-punk scene buzzes with anticipation, Napoleon’s evolution from scrappy upstarts to post-hardcore heavyweights is not just a story of musical growth, but a testament to their relentless pursuit of authenticity in a world of manufactured sound.
The thematic core of “Dear God” is deeply influenced by Elmaleh’s tumultuous journey with faith. Reflecting on his upbringing, he shares, “I grew up in a somewhat religious household, and even from a young age, I had a lot of questions and a pretty bad attitude towards it. As I grew older, I came to terms with the fact that I do not believe in the same things that those around me do, and that’s okay. The EP deals with my own journey of getting to that point.” This personal exploration of belief and skepticism permeates the album, offering listeners a raw and honest perspective on the complexities of faith, devoid of pretense or easy answers.
The sonic landscape of “Dear God” marks a deliberate shift towards a heavier, more intense sound for Napoleon. Elmaleh explains the band’s evolution, saying, “We’ve had some heavier tracks in the past and noticed that those were always the ones that people gravitated towards, and we enjoyed making and playing live the most. When we started working on ‘Dear God,’ we talked about what kind of band we really are and what kind of band we want to be, and we decided this is what is best for us!” This conscious decision to lean into their post-hardcore and metalcore influences has resulted in a more cohesive and impactful sound that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners alike, creating a visceral experience that demands attention.
The visual narrative accompanying “Dear God” is as uncompromising as the music itself. The videos for “Heartless” and “Help Me” weave a dark, compelling story that mirrors the EP’s themes. Elmaleh elaborates, “It’s a very dark story, showing the process of someone grappling with faith, and ultimately choosing to end their life because of their inner turmoil. Our director and friend Michael Crusty really killed it with these videos. We’re very grateful to have him on our side.” The stark imagery serves as a powerful complement to the music, creating a multi-sensory experience that lingers long after the final note fades.
Napoleon’s live performances have become the stuff of legend, with Elmaleh promising even more intensity for their upcoming shows. “We got some new things in our set like samples and stuff that we’ve never done before, but we try to keep things pretty raw and stripped back, it’s more fun like that!” he enthuses. This raw energy translates into performances that are described as “loud, sweaty, and completely overwhelming in all of the best ways,” leaving audiences exhilarated and craving more.
The provocative title “Dear God” serves as more than just an attention-grabber. Elmaleh explains the deeper meaning behind it: “I like to think of the EP lyrically as being sort of an open letter to people who are, in my opinion, too into religion, to the point where they lose sight of what’s really important, which is the fact that we are all humans. We all deserve respect regardless of our beliefs; no one is better than anyone because they worship a specific god in a specific way.” This bold stance sets the tone for an EP that doesn’t shy away from confronting difficult truths.
Napoleon’s songwriting process has evolved significantly since their last release, “Enemy Within.” Elmaleh reflects on this growth, stating, “We definitely tried to be more focused, and a lot heavier. Lyrically also, I paid a lot more attention to what I was saying.” This increased attention to detail is evident in the tight, cohesive nature of “Dear God,” where every riff and lyric feels purposeful and impactful.
The increased use of screaming vocals is a notable change in Napoleon’s sound, adding a new layer of intensity to their music. Elmaleh approaches this shift with confidence: “We always had screaming to some degree in Napoleon, and I definitely was always doing more of it live than in the studio, so it felt natural!” This seamless integration of more aggressive vocal styles demonstrates the band’s growing comfort with pushing their sonic boundaries.
Faith and lack of faith in oneself emerge as central themes on the EP, reflecting Elmaleh’s personal struggles. He opens up about this influence: “It’s something I’ve struggled with a lot. I already mentioned that I come from a religious family, and I even went to a religious school and everything. It really shaped my views on organized religion in my adult life. I feel like it’s supposed to bring people together, but all I see it doing is tearing us apart.” This candid admission adds depth to the EP’s exploration of faith and doubt.
Jonathan Elmaleh Creating “Dear God” wasn’t without its challenges. Elmaleh reveals, “We went through a lot of lineup changes between the ‘Full-size Problem’ single and ‘Dear God.’ It was a tough couple of years, but the lineup we have now is the strongest we’ve ever been!” This period of upheaval and subsequent solidification of the band’s roster has clearly contributed to the EP’s confident and cohesive sound.
When asked about tracks that hold special meaning, Elmaleh doesn’t hesitate: “‘Help Me’ is my favorite song we’ve ever done. The story is a real one of someone that was very close to my family for a long time. It was very upsetting to watch his downfall happen in real time.” This personal connection to the material shines through in the raw emotion of the track, making it a standout on an already powerful EP.
Looking to the future, Elmaleh is characteristically direct about Napoleon’s trajectory: “I’ve already started writing, and the songs are getting heavier if anything, so we’ll see!” As “Dear God” continues to make waves in the post-hardcore scene, it’s clear that Napoleon is a band unafraid to evolve, challenge, and push boundaries – both musically and thematically. With their unflinching approach to tackling complex issues and their ever-intensifying sound, Napoleon is poised to become a formidable force in the world of alternative music.
