Temerus 'Epidemic'
We featured Temerus quite early on in the life of the site, so when they got in touch about some new tracks which they’d come up with, I figured it was only right that I have a listen to see what was on offer now. Stemming from Plymouth and offering Progressive Melodic Metal influenced by the likes of In Flames and Dark Tranquility, this 5 piece have crafted 7 new tracks for their new demo, Epidemic, for us to check out, and I for one am excited.
Opening the selection with Confined, everything is very melodic and almost soothing, a picked lead line leading the way into the track whilst synth sounds back it up to give it depth. Layering the guitars, already this track demonstrates the development of a band and the journey these guys have been on, then things really get going! Hitting the accelerator, all of a sudden you’re thrown into a distorted version of the initial line, before ushering in the guttural and powerful vocals. The whole mix is layered over rolling drums, the entire mix forming a monster which you can’t help but be enthralled by, this is adrenaline fuelled stuff which is sure to slay on the live scene. Offering up a soaring lead solo for consideration mid way through, this track seems to incorporate so many different elements that you don’t know where to listen first! Alternating the vocals throughout to add contrasts within the track, this is one hell of an accomplishment from the band, and a pleasure to hear.
Title track Epidemic soon fades into being, the start being signalled by dark synth sounds under a piano line adding an ominous edge to proceedings, hinting that what is to follow is going to be a new monster altogether. Rolling drums soon fill your ears, the sound continuing to build until finally, with a clap of thunder and some radio sound effects, the onslaught of distorted guitars is upon you. Slow, sludgy and demonstrating the bands Dark Tranquility influences, this track is a solid broken down metal track full of every single element you could possibly want – rolling drums, hammering guitar lines, roaring vocals and enough bass to shake you to your core. Refusing to accept a simple tag, the track transforms throughout it’s journey from a sludgy mix of raw power to a soaring selection of melodies, evoking a change in you as you listen. It’s almost a shock when the track ends and Massacre takes over, more sound effects filling your ears as it comes into being with more distortion fuelled guitar lines and hammering double bass pedals. Much faster this time, the sludgy riff soon takes the lead and powers the track up beyond 11, the whole mix once again combining to form something which on the live scene, is going to have venues being utterly destroyed. Layering the music with different elements from rolling drums through to soaring lead snippets, this is another track which really demonstrates the development of these guys, this sounds like music from a band way above the stature of these guys and shows that they’re about ready for the next step forwards now.
Necessary Measures is up next, ushered in through more sound effects before adding in a synth fuelled riff, the synth adding in an electronic edge over the raw backing track. Melodic despite the heaviness, this is another track which is sure to be well received on the live scene, but for different reasons. Gone is the all out hammering power of the previous tracks, this time keeping everything melodic and adding in a new dimension of emotion, one which elevates this track beyond that simple metal tag once again. My personal favourite part of this track has to be the chorus sections with the lead line behind the vocals, it adds in that depth which can so often be lost on recordings. Reclamation on the other hand is another mash up of pure energy in musical form, all of the elements once again combining to form an In Flames style mix of power and adrenaline. The vocals alternate between sheer power and melodic style cleaned up ones, once again adding in those contrasts which give these guys that edge. Original despite being compared to In Flames, this is quite possibly my personal favourite track from the album as it shows off all the skills in the band without getting arrogant about them, it’s just a well put together track throughout.
Released is the penultimate track on the selection here, opening far more melodic than you would expect with a Mark Knopfler style guitar line, synth backing everything up to create another emotional start to a track. Soon enough though we’re back on the rollercoaster of rolling drums, pounding guitar lines and bass heavy rhythms, the whole mix once again working together to form something beyond metal, something which I think a lot of people need to hear to believe, the performance going on here is insane! My only complaint is it’s only a promo track, so just as you get into it, it comes to a close! Not to worry though as soon enough The Crusade Against Invasion comes in to close the selection, another adrenaline fuelled selection of hammering drums, roaring vocals, pounding guitar lines and somehow melodic hooks. Finishing off the selection for me here, this track seems to summarise the bands sound in one go – heavy, melodic and incredibly well put together, well done chaps.
I love that these guys have advanced to much since the last time I heard them, their music has turned into a monster of symphonic harmonies, pounding melodies and downright awesome guitar lines, adopting a sound far beyond what you would expect to hear from a band only just getting going. My only question throughout the tracks is to do with the intros to each track, I’m not sure they’re needed as widely as they’re used here, but once the track gets going you soon forget you even questioned this. I can’t wait to get a copy of this once it’s all done and dusted properly as I think this is going to be the moment these guys get some serious attention!
To find out more about Temerus, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Opening the selection with Confined, everything is very melodic and almost soothing, a picked lead line leading the way into the track whilst synth sounds back it up to give it depth. Layering the guitars, already this track demonstrates the development of a band and the journey these guys have been on, then things really get going! Hitting the accelerator, all of a sudden you’re thrown into a distorted version of the initial line, before ushering in the guttural and powerful vocals. The whole mix is layered over rolling drums, the entire mix forming a monster which you can’t help but be enthralled by, this is adrenaline fuelled stuff which is sure to slay on the live scene. Offering up a soaring lead solo for consideration mid way through, this track seems to incorporate so many different elements that you don’t know where to listen first! Alternating the vocals throughout to add contrasts within the track, this is one hell of an accomplishment from the band, and a pleasure to hear.
Title track Epidemic soon fades into being, the start being signalled by dark synth sounds under a piano line adding an ominous edge to proceedings, hinting that what is to follow is going to be a new monster altogether. Rolling drums soon fill your ears, the sound continuing to build until finally, with a clap of thunder and some radio sound effects, the onslaught of distorted guitars is upon you. Slow, sludgy and demonstrating the bands Dark Tranquility influences, this track is a solid broken down metal track full of every single element you could possibly want – rolling drums, hammering guitar lines, roaring vocals and enough bass to shake you to your core. Refusing to accept a simple tag, the track transforms throughout it’s journey from a sludgy mix of raw power to a soaring selection of melodies, evoking a change in you as you listen. It’s almost a shock when the track ends and Massacre takes over, more sound effects filling your ears as it comes into being with more distortion fuelled guitar lines and hammering double bass pedals. Much faster this time, the sludgy riff soon takes the lead and powers the track up beyond 11, the whole mix once again combining to form something which on the live scene, is going to have venues being utterly destroyed. Layering the music with different elements from rolling drums through to soaring lead snippets, this is another track which really demonstrates the development of these guys, this sounds like music from a band way above the stature of these guys and shows that they’re about ready for the next step forwards now.
Necessary Measures is up next, ushered in through more sound effects before adding in a synth fuelled riff, the synth adding in an electronic edge over the raw backing track. Melodic despite the heaviness, this is another track which is sure to be well received on the live scene, but for different reasons. Gone is the all out hammering power of the previous tracks, this time keeping everything melodic and adding in a new dimension of emotion, one which elevates this track beyond that simple metal tag once again. My personal favourite part of this track has to be the chorus sections with the lead line behind the vocals, it adds in that depth which can so often be lost on recordings. Reclamation on the other hand is another mash up of pure energy in musical form, all of the elements once again combining to form an In Flames style mix of power and adrenaline. The vocals alternate between sheer power and melodic style cleaned up ones, once again adding in those contrasts which give these guys that edge. Original despite being compared to In Flames, this is quite possibly my personal favourite track from the album as it shows off all the skills in the band without getting arrogant about them, it’s just a well put together track throughout.
Released is the penultimate track on the selection here, opening far more melodic than you would expect with a Mark Knopfler style guitar line, synth backing everything up to create another emotional start to a track. Soon enough though we’re back on the rollercoaster of rolling drums, pounding guitar lines and bass heavy rhythms, the whole mix once again working together to form something beyond metal, something which I think a lot of people need to hear to believe, the performance going on here is insane! My only complaint is it’s only a promo track, so just as you get into it, it comes to a close! Not to worry though as soon enough The Crusade Against Invasion comes in to close the selection, another adrenaline fuelled selection of hammering drums, roaring vocals, pounding guitar lines and somehow melodic hooks. Finishing off the selection for me here, this track seems to summarise the bands sound in one go – heavy, melodic and incredibly well put together, well done chaps.
I love that these guys have advanced to much since the last time I heard them, their music has turned into a monster of symphonic harmonies, pounding melodies and downright awesome guitar lines, adopting a sound far beyond what you would expect to hear from a band only just getting going. My only question throughout the tracks is to do with the intros to each track, I’m not sure they’re needed as widely as they’re used here, but once the track gets going you soon forget you even questioned this. I can’t wait to get a copy of this once it’s all done and dusted properly as I think this is going to be the moment these guys get some serious attention!
To find out more about Temerus, check out their Facebook page HERE.