TEMPLE BALLS thunders in with uncomplicated Hard Rock, filled with a lot of energy. The adrenaline is pumping throughout the entire album. There are strong H.E.A.T influences here, which is perhaps not so strange. The keyboardist from that band, Jona Tee, has for the second time produced the Finnish guys' material. ”Pyromide” is their third record, but the first one that is released through Frontiers Music.
The group delivers their Scandinavian Hard Rock in a catchy way. The music contains harmonies and big choruses. With two skilled guitarists, we get excellent tones to enjoy. Arde Teronen has a very suitable voice for this genre and the guy makes that classic, nice scream when he ends some of the words. TEMPLE BALLS kicks off at a fast, great pace right away. It is impossible to sit still. The music pumps through your veins. The awesome ”Thunder From The North” is like a whole bunch of energy.
Teronen sings very well, but his attempt to do a relaxed, deeper voice in ”Bad, Bad, Bad” does not really hold. However, in the following ”What Is Dead Never Dies” he recovers immediately and even in the softer parts the voice works well. The guitar playing is fantastic and very lively. ”Unholy Night” is pretty cool, with a bit heavier tones on guitar and especially bass. Unfortunately the chorus becomes more Pop than Heavy Metal. Just like on the whole disc, the volume and presence of the keyboard tends to be a little too strong. In ”Heart Of A Warrior” I must admit though, that it is mixed feelings. It sounds synthesizer a’ la’ 80’s poodle rock and is amusing in a nostalgic way. With or without that particular instrument, the song is a feel-good-experience.
They continue to keep a high pulse, song after song, with one exception. The ballad "If Only I Could" begins with a beautiful piano melody. Drums and guitars then bind together and reinforce the impression with a little more dynamism. When the singer is in his middle register, he reminds of BRYAN ADAMS. Arde ends the piece with a very fine tone in his voice.
At first, everything may sound ”same, same”, but give it a few more times and the differences between the tracks become clearer. The material even gets stuck in the brain, so when you least expect it, you start to sing on a song. Here and there the thoughts touch on GUNS N’ ROSES, but transformed into Pop Rock. Sometimes you need it, even though it may be a little too simple and well polished. But that little extra, which touches me inside, is missing. It feels like the music comes running in a carefree way, in a well-made production of positive Arena Rock, which works in most situations. ”Pyromide” is a good album, but may not stand out among all the others. In any case, when we someday can meet and hang out together again, then it is the perfect party booster. (Anna)
Bewertung:
7 / 10
Anzahl der Songs: 11
Spielzeit: 43:48 min
Label: Frontiers Music s.r.l.
Veröffentlichungstermin: 16.04.2021
