Temple of Blood was formed in Huntsville, Alabama in late 200,1 by lead guitarist/vocalist Jim Mullis backed by drummer Lance Wright (Spinecast) and veteran metal bassist Garth Lovvorn (Fleshtized). Temple of Blood began cutting their teeth live in mid-2002 with a set consisting mainly of covers ranging from classic heavy metal bands Mercyful Fate, Candlemass and Iron Maiden, to late 80's thrash titans Testament and Annihilator. In early 2004, Jim's long time friend Matt Barnes joined on lead guitar, adding the much-needed final component to a band who is determined to make waves in today's metal scene. Temple of Blood is the kind of band that is built upon chops that have been finely crafted over many years of practice. This type of music requires patience, persistence, and skill to execute. The type of person who eagerly follows along and understands the power of bands like Megadeth, Testament, Dark Angel, Slayer, Judas Priest and Annihilator is the same type of person who would greatly enjoy listening to Temple of Blood. Much like these bands, they are centered around powerful music and descriptive lyrics. The difference however, is that their lyrical inspiration is derived from the virtues of Christianity which has influenced their lives. Sadly enough, this may scare away certain listeners, but it is for the sake of all people, believers and nonbelievers, that Temple of Blood persists in promoting the love of Christ. Their debut album, 'Prepare for the Judgement of Mankind', was released in early 2006.
PREPARE FOR THE JUDGEMENT OF MANKIND (2006)
INDEPENDENT
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Line-up: Matt Barnes - Guitar Jim Mullis - Vocals, Guitar Garth Lovvorn - Bass Lance Wright - Drums Guest: Ski - Vocals on 10
* bonus track |
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It's always a great feeling to discover new acts that are proudly waving the 80's metal flag high. And this is truly what Temple Of Blood are doing. Firmly rooted in the 80's these guys have one foot cemented in the traditional metal scene, and the other in the thrash metal scene of the same era. This manifests itself in a band that's making no excuse for creating a thrash metal album they can be proud of. 'Prepare For The Judgment Of Mankind' takes me back to a time when you discovered bands like this listening to demo tapes and/or record company samplers. The production is raw, but that is the only thing that might need a bit of improvement here. Because the music is absolutely stunning. These guys are technically skilled, both with their playing, and their songwriting talents. The music is fast and furious, with lots of double bass drumming. But it is also filled with complex riffing and some signature time changes. The album is very well balanced with some mid-tempo parts bringing it down every now and then. Vocalist Jim Mullins varies his mid-range delivery with a high pitched shriek, reminding me of the likes of King Diamond (Mercyful Fate) and John Cyriis (Agent Steel). He might take some getting used to, but I really think he's got a charm and a uniqueness to him. Rounding off this well crafted debut is a cover of Deadly Blessing's "Deliver Us From Evil". Here the band have managed to get Deadly Blessing's singer, Ski, to do the vocals. Hearing their cover version was more then enough for me to check out Deadly Blessing too! Another key element in my appreciation for Temple Of Blood is their lyrics. Although never preachy, they are not ashamed of their faith. So if you are longing back to the days when people actually knew what speed metal was, then look no further than to this band.
Killer tracks: Conviction, Spiritual Warfare, Seeking The Truth, The Ultimate Sacrifice
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Line-up: Jim Mullis -
Vocals, Guitars |
Where can one possibly go after such a striking debut as Temple Of Blood's 'Prepare For The Judgement Of Mankind'? Well, one could always turn it up a notch!! And that is what these guys from Alabama have done. As much as I liked their first CD, 'Overlord' surpasses it in ever possible way. First of all, the musicianship is again absolutely stunning! Matt and Jim have created enough riffs on this album that would last other bands a life-time! Adding some tasty solos, not for flashing skills, but to create the perfect metal songs, never hurt either. Razor sharp, and with surgical precision they crank through one speed metal number after another. Ex-Antithesis 4-string punisher, James Lewis, has taken over the bass-duties. And it's a pleasure to listen to a band that actually let's the bass be heard in the mix. The drums are galloping along, but don't expect any mechanical blastbeats or anything that sounds programmed. This is thorough craftsmanship, played with the heart, and not only with the bass pedals. Again Jim Mullis might be an acquired taste. I liked his approach on their last effort, so I'm not one to complaint here either. Still people seem to either like his style, or not. He sounds like a cross between Messiah Marcolin (ex-Candlemass), Ski (Faith Factor, ex-Deadly Blessing) and John Cyriis (Agent Steel). Not a bad combination, if you ask me. For whatever reason his voice has been pushed quite far back in the mix this time. But as long as the band keep cranking their old school speed and thrash metal, I will continue to support this band. I mean where else will you find a band that in 2008 records a fine cover of the mighty Forbidden? "Forbidden Evil" is not only done justice, I am willing to bet that the original band would be proud of such a fine act covering their classic with so much love. And that is just it with Temple Of Blood. They love the thrash metal, speed metal and power metal of the 80's and early 90's so much, they are hell bent on recreating the same music still today. Even the production on 'Overlord' is a throwback to the glory days of this style of music. So in my ears they succeed just fine.
Killer tracks: Behind The Inverted Star, Illusion Of Control, Harbinger, Anthem To The Universe, The Return
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