Richard HolmesBlack Temple – It All Ends (Century Media)
Genre: Post Hardcore/Hard Rock
Formerly known as Odyssey, these Swedes have a reputation for producing incendiary live shows: given the passion that courses through every moment of It All Ends, it’s no surprise to hear this trio can deliver the goods on stage.
Released in conjunction with Razzia Notes Records, the label set up by In Flames’ Anders Fridén, this petrol bomb of an album is the sound of a band who have ‘next big thing’ tattooed all over them.
Songs like Acid Rain and Difficult Journey are infused with cold, shivering melodies, yet they explode into huge choruses, with Marcus Witold wringing every note from his guitar and vocalist/bassist Jonas Pederson singing with such intensity that the guy is practically breathing fire.
It All Ends is also one of the most intelligently written and intriguing records you’ll hear all year, a masterclass in sonic dynamics, where every song has been lovingly crafted and holds your attention throughout.
Producer Magnus Lindberg (of Swedish post-metal giants Cult of Luna) may take some credit for this album’s monstrous sound, yet at Black Temple’s core is an apparent ability to create emotive, life-affirming rock music, whether it’s in a state-of-the-art studio or a sweaty basement venue.
It All Ends? We hope this is just the beginning…
RUSHONROCK RATED: 8.5/10 Temple of boom