Empire State Bastard are a British metal duo formed of Mike Vennart (formally of Oceansize) and Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro.

[1] To date, the duo has released one album, Rivers of Heresy, which was released on 1 September 2023, and debuted at number 46 on the UK Albums (OCC).

[4] The band was announced on the 24 February 2023 through social media.

Shortly after, the band announced a run of intimate shows in Glasgow, Manchester and London.

[1][6] The band have appeared at many festivals across Europe including 2000trees, Copenhell, Download Festival, Graspop Metal Meeting, Hellfest, and Wacken Open Air.