Second Book of Sentences REVIEWS

Temple of Opposites

Temple of Opposites demo 2009

The cover of this three-track EP promises much: the all-familiar Goat of Mendes looks in through a church window, a church whose floor is not unlike one might find in Ken Russel's "The Devils".  A full moon rises behind The Goat's head.  I wonder what the members of the congregation will think when they come in in the morning (The Goat is looking in the window on a Saturday night).  All joking aside, when I put on the CD I cannot but be impressed by the music which blasts off with an icy riff and features those very twisted and sick vocals that remind me somewhat of  Barditus (Lugubrum) crossed with Dagon (Inquisition).

The style of the riffs and melodies could be described most accurately as Darkthrone-esque in sound and tempo with something of the type of melodic structure one could find on early Deathspell Omega releases.  The overall atmosphere is not dissimilar to that which emanates from the speakers when a Countess album is put on.  It's all very necro indeed but somehow effective and compelling in its hypnotic style.  I really enjoy the ritualistic style of Black Metal that this bunch from Galway play and quite particularly the the variety in vocals that go from tortured screams to the voice that evokes the image of a rotten zombie preacher of death and decay.  (I'm a little bit disappointed that there are no lyrics included unfortunately.)

 

The second track is in a very Darkthrone-y vein again, this time very reminiscent of that band's Transilvanian Hunger era.  The middle section features a nice swinging Black 'N' Roll.  Third track, again I am reminded of Darkthrone!  The vocals are very evocative, hypnotic and cold.

Overall this is a very good release from Temple of Opposites.  One element of note is the strange of the drums: could it be possible that this is a drum machine?  In any case this does not take away from the atmosphere which is dark and cold and is delivered with conviction.  Some timing issues exist but I mean if it's good enough for Quorthon why not these guys?  The hypnotic and eerie feeling is still there and I look forward to hearing more in future.

This demo is limited to 50 copies so rush over to their MySpace and order one quick!