Temple Of Blood
Temple Of Blood is a Thrash/Power Metal band from Huntsville, Alabama that was formed by vocalist-Jim Mullis back in 2001. Temple Of Blood is not new on the Metal scene now with two full-length releases to their credit. In 2006 the band released their debut full-length independent album 'Prepare for the Judgement of Mankind'. The line-up for this release was comprised of vocalist/guitarist-Jim Mullis, lead guitarist-Matt Barnes, bassist-Garth Lovvorn(Chaos Inception, ex-Fleshtized), & drummer-Lance Wright. 'Prepare for the Judgement of Mankind' was recorded at the Sound Works studio in Alabama under the guidance of engineer Dave Pittman. In addition, this release includes a cover of underground Power Metal legends 'Deadly Blessing' track-"Deliver Us From Evil". The vocals for "Deliver Us From Evil" were handled by Deadly Blessing’s former vocalist-Ski(Faith Factor). The album's guitar work encompasses everything from Thrash to Power Metal riffs to lightening fast Speed Metal play to Extreme Metal techniques to Doom. The band's debut album received great reviews from fan zines all over the world and the first pressing sold out within months.
Just two years later, in 2008 Temple Of Blood released their follow up independent full-length album simply titled 'Overlord'. This release includes a cover of the tune 'Forbidden Evil' by the band 'Forbidden'. With a new album came a change to the line-up with bassist-Garth Lovvorn being replaced by bassist-Jim Lewis(Antithesis). Unfortunately, with this 2008 offering being mixed by the band's drummer, the vocal placement in the mix quickly became an issue for fans of T.O.B. Their was an unbalance between the vocals and the instruments where there was a stronger focus on the instruments which were all forward in the recording while the vocals were muddy and buried in the mix.
Just two years later, in 2008 Temple Of Blood released their follow up independent full-length album simply titled 'Overlord'. This release includes a cover of the tune 'Forbidden Evil' by the band 'Forbidden'. With a new album came a change to the line-up with bassist-Garth Lovvorn being replaced by bassist-Jim Lewis(Antithesis). Unfortunately, with this 2008 offering being mixed by the band's drummer, the vocal placement in the mix quickly became an issue for fans of T.O.B. Their was an unbalance between the vocals and the instruments where there was a stronger focus on the instruments which were all forward in the recording while the vocals were muddy and buried in the mix.
In 2018 Temple Of Blood remastered and re-issued their 2008 sophomore independent full-length album 'Overlord'. With this 2018 re-issue "Overlord" has been remastered by Jamie King(Watchtower, Chastain, Canvas Solaris, Ayreon) who, in return, has moved the vocals forward in the mix.
For those that remember the 80's glory days of Thrash Metal music, were talking old school fist pound'n Thrash, with lightening fast guitar riffs, rumbl'n bass lines, & hammer'n double bass pedal action that is sure to garner the attention of the Thrash Metal community. This is the kind of Metal that, in its furry, will grab you by the throat and slam you to the floor.
For those that remember the 80's glory days of Thrash Metal music, were talking old school fist pound'n Thrash, with lightening fast guitar riffs, rumbl'n bass lines, & hammer'n double bass pedal action that is sure to garner the attention of the Thrash Metal community. This is the kind of Metal that, in its furry, will grab you by the throat and slam you to the floor.
Frontman-Jim Mullis' vocal delivery draws comparison to such vocalist as Tom Denlinger(Sardonyx). Mullis' delivery style works well with the Thrash Metal genre and infuses a sense of mystery & artistry within each track. Jim's vocals definitely sound more prominent than their original 2008 version however, on future releases I believe that the band shouldn't be afraid of bringing the vocals even further forward in the mix. I find myself still straining and struggling to hear what he is singing even though I have the volume turned way up.
Lyrics are thought provoking and Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Fearsome Warrior"
But he prays to the Lord "Please grant me this one thing
Give me my revenge on these three thousand Philistines.
I feel two pillars that hold this roof overhead.
Now return my strength for one last time.
Let me bring this roof upon their heads!"
"Black Day of Execution"
The charge has been made, I am sentenced to die
Beaten, bloodied and scourged through the night
A long slow march to the skull on the hill
Don't let me die but please do Your will
No tonic to soothe me, I die as a thief
Upon my shoulders this burden of grief
Now my breath has left me, storms blot out the sun
Tombs are cracking open, Death has come undone
"Harbinger"
A birth that ancient prophets foretold
The mighty guardian of light
He was the chosen one to set us free
Being of power and infinite might
A teacher beyond the greatest scholars of the day
They came to behold this man from many miles away
But he prays to the Lord "Please grant me this one thing
Give me my revenge on these three thousand Philistines.
I feel two pillars that hold this roof overhead.
Now return my strength for one last time.
Let me bring this roof upon their heads!"
"Black Day of Execution"
The charge has been made, I am sentenced to die
Beaten, bloodied and scourged through the night
A long slow march to the skull on the hill
Don't let me die but please do Your will
No tonic to soothe me, I die as a thief
Upon my shoulders this burden of grief
Now my breath has left me, storms blot out the sun
Tombs are cracking open, Death has come undone
"Harbinger"
A birth that ancient prophets foretold
The mighty guardian of light
He was the chosen one to set us free
Being of power and infinite might
A teacher beyond the greatest scholars of the day
They came to behold this man from many miles away
Stay tuned because Temple Of Blood is currently working on a third album which will soon be released titled 'A Show of Force'.
If you are into bands like Megadeth, Judas priest, Annihilator, Testament, Iron Maiden, Sardonyx, and Forbidden then you are going to love what Temple Of Blood brings to the table. Get your copy of Temple Of Blood's 2018 re-issue of 'Overlord' and then call over your buddies and let the mosh begin!
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Jim Mullis(CAULDRON BORN)– Lead Vocals & Guitars
Matt Barnes – Guitars
Jim Lewis(Antithesis) – Bass
Lance Wright – Drums
Jim Mullis(CAULDRON BORN)– Lead Vocals & Guitars
Matt Barnes – Guitars
Jim Lewis(Antithesis) – Bass
Lance Wright – Drums