Album Review: Tempel – Tempel (Jansen Records)

Norway’s Tempel: the dark riff-lords formed by Kvelertak drummer Kjetil Gjermundrød with his brothers Espen and Inge, and childhood friend Andreas Espolin Johnson.

Tempel serve up modern heavy metal at its finest with their debut self-titled, to be released via Jansen Records on the 22nd March 2019. As much of a nod to old-school metal as to the likes of Kylesa, Mastodon, and of course Kvelertak, Tempel is an irresistibly fun listen, with elements of blackened hardcore, metal, and classic rock.

Opener Vendetta makes itself known with an dramatic blast of hardcore vocals, chuggy yet catchy guitar rhythm and a squealing strength that is part rock and part metal. Credit where credit is due, it’s a sharp tool for Tempel to pull out of their box early on.

The high energy groove of Wolves and Uninvited follows and are equally as fun. The rock and roll riffs working magic alongside some really hefty hardcore vocals. The latter of the two is a potential album best as it’s infectiously catchy. The one that will be getting repeated plays for sure.

Happily the rest of the album certainly isn’t lacking as Tempel provide a belter of a record that combines the best of several worlds. Something that makes us all winners as they throw caution to the wind with the classic riffing of Afterlife, the hardcore-fury of Forest Cemetery and dirty punk groove of Torches. A lovely set of unique sounding tracks for a lovely and unique sounding album.

That the album ends with a track ( Farewell) that combines moody melody and flashes of fierceness is no surprise. It doesn’t stop it being a hell of a listen though.

Tempel – Tempel Full Track Listing:

1. Vendetta
2. Wolves
3. Uninvited
4. Afterlife
5. Confusion
6. Forest Cemetery
7. Fortress
8. Torches
9. Farewell

The album can be ordered now via Bandcamp and will be available via all major streaming services on release. Find out more about Tempel via their website, Facebook Page, Instagram, Twitter and check out their videos on YouTube.