Album Review: Black Orchid Empire – Tempus Veritas (Season Of Mist)

UK rock trio Black Orchid Empire return with new album ‘Tempus Veritas’ set for release on the 14th of April via Season of Mist.

Tempus Veritas is a collection of stories that seeks to find compelling imaginary narratives hidden away in what we all think of as history. Behind every milestone or major event in humanity’s long, complex past lies a treasure trove of possibilities for invention – how did Pope Urban VIII feel when confronted by his friend Galileo about the true nature of the sun? What really happened during an almost triumphant but ultimately doomed Everest attempt? What was it like to be a Norse settler amongst the Saxons; did the omens of the ancient gods begin to disappear?

Detailing a compelling narrative with a creative vision, Black Orchid Empire are back with a heavyweight release. Kicking off with a relaxing melodic intro that is the title track, before hitting a groovy, dreamy, head-banging, and heady high with Hydrogen. This is the stuff that is going to delight listeners. Familiar Black Orchid Empire but fresh at the same time.

…and they’re just getting started.

With an array of explosive riffs, dramatic vocals, harmonisation, pounding drum beats, and stirring rhythms, The Raven and Lost Ronin keep the energy hot and high. As anthemic as both tracks can be, the layers of atmosphere that Black Orchid Empire provide is what really captures the imagination. This is an inspired band and that seems to grow the more and more this album goes on.

How about Scarlett Haze or Deny the Sun as further proof of Black Orchid Empire’s delightful creativity and chemistry? The former has some really wistful melodies and ‘rocks’ up so impressively. Whereas the latter is a vigorous and raucous groove monster with some serious head-banging qualities to it.

If being uniquely anthemic wasn’t enough, Tempus Veritas also delivers when it comes to progressive and technical detail. It’s these elements that gives the album such a varied tone and with Glory to The King, they showcase the richness in their rock sound, and with Summit, how complex their rhythms can be. The longer it goes on, the more enveloped the listener feels.

So much so, that the sharpness of the verses contrasted by a peppy chorus on Weakness feels quite diverse. Yet, it also doesn’t feel out of place on this record. It’s just Black Orchid Empire letting their imagination run wild and delivering unmitigated brilliance.

No-one will want this to end but all good things must and it’s the paring of Vesuvius and Latimer that closes out this epic release. Two exceptional efforts that feature blistering riffs, erratic heaviness, ethereal melodies, and so much more. At this stage, Black Orchid Empire could hardly disappoint but even still, the high quality of these final two tracks, alongside everything that came before, is startling.

Black Orchid Empire – Tempus Veritas Track Listing:

1. Tempus Veritas
2. Hydrogen
3. The Raven
4. Last Ronin
5. Scarlett Haze
6. Deny The Sun
7. Glory to The King
8. Summit
9. Weakness
10. Vesuvius
11. Latimer

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