Electric Temple – High Voltage Salvation

Electric Temple
High Voltage Salvation
Label: Eonian Records
Out: December 6^th, 2024
Playing time: 37:15

Electric Temple was founded in 2024 by guitarist Tony Childs (Shanghai [Sweden]). And he was able to inspire well-known musicians to join his band. Andrew Freeman (Last in Line, Lynch Mob, Offspring) on vocals, Mike Duda (W.A.S.P.) on bass and Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, KIX, Mr Big) on drums complete the band. They are influenced by bands like Sabbath, Dio, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. The mantra ‘Rock is religion’ is a clear statement. The debut album ‘High Voltage Salvation’ was apparently self-released in October. This brought the band to the attention of Eonian Records. A record deal was signed, and the album was re-released worldwide via this label.

‘Death Wish’ starts with hard guitar riffs and powerful drums. This drives singer Andrew Freeman forward. The tempo is kept high throughout. Nevertheless, there is a lot of melody to be heard, especially in the catchy refrain. ‘Doomed’ is then much quieter, but no less powerful. And yes, the sound definitely tends towards Doom Metal. ‘Big Black Hole’ stomps majestically along. The crowning glory are strong guitar solos. The ballad ‘Streets Of Pain’ begins quietly. The singer is accompanied by acoustic guitars and Tapestries of strings. This is accompanied by a guitar that literally sings. When the rhythm section kicks in with full force, the song transforms into an impressive power ballad. In addition to the ballad just discussed, the anthem ‘Kill Or Be Killed’ is one of the highlights of the album for me. The equally anthemic ‘World’s On Fire’ starts with short synthesiser gimmicks. After a quiet start, the heavy riffs once again dominate. I don’t need to say anything more about the solo guitar qualities. Acoustic guitars can be heard again on the second ballad ‘Am I Damned’. But here, too, things get punchy later on. Strings can be heard again and again. The final song ‘The Storm’ also starts off ballad-like, but soon becomes faster and heavier. An anthem at the end.

You can clearly tell that experienced musicians have recorded the album here. ‘High Voltage Salvation’ is a more than convincing debut album. The varied songwriting with mid-tempo stompers, power ballads and Metal anthems are the hallmark of this all-star band. I think Electric Temple can definitely be described as such.

Electric Temple – Big Black Hole: https://youtu.be/CZn2zFbDbXU?si=O_tYYDFrlfN1Q99l

Lineup:

Andrew Freeman – Vocals
Tony Childs – Guitar
Mike Duda – Bass
Matt Starr – Drums

Track list:

• Death Wish
• Doomed
• Big Black Hole
• Streets Of Pain
• Kill Or Be Killed
• World’s On Fire
• Am I Damned?
• The Storm