The lead single from the album was "Touch the Sky", which was released to digital retailers on 24 March 2015,[5] and to Christian radio on 11 April 2015.

[9][10] Giving the album three and a half stars at CCM Magazine, Caroline Lusk says, "Empires is a stunning display of universally relevant themes".

[11] Brian Mansfield, rating the album two and a half stars out of four for USA Today, states, "Empires focuses on submission and service.

"[15] Ryan Barbee, giving the album four and a half stars for Jesus Freak Hideout, says, "Empires, might continue to walk the love/hate line for some people".

[17] Scott Fryberer, awarding the album four stars from Jesus Freak Hideout, states, "United doesn't necessarily win points for the most creative lyricism, but they're leagues above where they used to be".

[18] Indicating in a four and a half star review from Worship Leader, Jeremy Armstrong writes, "paradoxes of faith and God's greatness resound throughout.

"[12] Giving the album five stars from CM Addict, Michael Tackett writes, "Simply put…Empires is a masterpiece.