Sunday 5 August 2018

Tempelheks - Midnight Mirror (Album Review)


Release date: August 03rd 2018. Label: Cursed Tongue Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Midnight Mirror – Tracklisting

1.Gates of Python 03:57
2.Bury Your Children 03:26
3.The Witch And Her Man 04:01
4.Tigress 03:45
5.Prey 03:41
6.Harem Ritual 03:38
7.Holy Serpent 05:20
8.Phantom Messiah 05:47
9.They Hide 03:40
10.Slither Did My Queen 05:51

Review

I know that Tempelheks have a well deserved reputation within the Doom/Hard Rock community after releasing a series of singles, EP’s and albums since 2013. However I’ve never been able to find myself to enjoy their music. As it didn’t really speak to me. I’ve tried multiple times to listen to their music and most times I normally switched off.

However I have to admit their 3rd album, Midnight Mirror, is perhaps the first release that I’ve finished and thoroughly enjoyed. As the band have adapted a more classic Occult/Doom/Psychedelic Rock sound for their new album. With the emphasis on a more stripped back Classic Rock/Heavy Metal sound. The music has more focus and the lyrics are definitely sharper and dare I say more original.

The album has a strong collection of great songs such as: Gates Of Python, Bury Your Children, Tigress, Holy Serpent, They Hide and the majestic final song – Slither Did My Queen. These songs are where Tempelheks embrace their crazy Doom Rock/Metal sound and even have devilish fun with their music.

Fans of 70s Occult Rock/Doom Metal will enjoy this album the most. As the album is quintessentially vintage and Tempelheks have real flair for creating OTT doom metal sounds. You can hear influences from bands such as Thin Lizzy, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath and Uncle Acid &The Deadbeats on this album. However this is still Tempelheks show and Midnight Mirror is superb entertainment.

Midnight Mirror has done the impossible for myself, as the album has made me a fan of these guys. So give these guys a listen and welcome to the weird world of Tempelheks.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

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