When someone says “doom” nowadays, he may refer to many different genres that have no connection between them (from death to psych and many more) but there is always the traditional doom metal, the one that gives you chills.
The Temple is not really a new band, they were formed in mid 00s but they had to wait until 2016 when their nice debut album came to light but no one really could tell how impressive their second album would be. It is worth pointing out that they immediately gain attention of the listener as they kick off with a great idea, the cover of “Me To Lychno Tou Astrou” which was originally at “Axion Esti”(Άξιον Εστί in greek) album (music by Mikis Theodorakis, lyrics by Odysseas Elytis). In their version there is no male voice like Grigoris Mpithikotsis but just the mesmerizing choir which creates a unique atμοsphere of awe.
Wondering what comes next the compositions, one by one, they create a deep and reverent sense of religious solemnity through heavy guitar riffs and slow tempo that turns everything into a dark soundtrack which helps the band to tell the story, a story from darkness to light, an arduous path which is also redemptive at the end when the last notes of «Lord Of Light». In between the band touches aesthetic and emotional peaks through epic references that will make you feel emotionally uplifted, which is an oxymoron if you think about it because you have to go through the mourning paths of the record. Alex gives a great vocal performance while the compositions are fully compact, without any unnecessary note, songs full of emotion and passion. You listen the album and you can feel that you are in front of something grand, a perfect work by any means. I wonder if these guys have realized what a masterpiece they gave us but one thing is for sure, we literally talking about triumph.
Last but not least the cover art by Fotis Varthis complements beautifully the band’s vision, satisfying all the senses of those who will support the band by buying the album on cd or vinyl.
