Temtris – Queen Of Crows

Temtris
Queen Of Crows
Label: Wormholedeath Records
Out: August 8^th, 2025
Playing time: 46:57

Temtris truly stand apart as one of the most hardworking, talented and unique bands Australia has produced.

This is what you can read in the press release. The band was founded in 2002 by singer Genevieve Rodda and guitarist Anthony Roberts, who had previously played together in a popular Heavy Rock band called “Labyrinth”, located on the south coast of New South Wales (Australia), before it disbanded. In the more than twenty years of the band’s existence, seven albums, a best-of compilation and various singles have been released to date. After ‘Ritual Warfare’ (2021) and ‘Khaos Divine’ (2023), the Australians will release their eighth album in August.

After a short fade-in introduction on ‘Evil Lies’, the Australians really kick off. The drums boom and then a long scream from rock belter Genevieve Rodda, accompanied by a thunderstorm of riffs. The vocals are pleasantly low and extremely rocky. The noise of the instrumental section is no problem at all for this power woman. And how could it be otherwise? Such a sound needs a strong, filigree guitar solo. Technically alienated guitar sounds underpin the introductory words ‘Scars Of Betrayal’. This is followed by more straightforward Power Metal, in which drummer Nicholas Bolin in particular drives his comrades-in-arms. I have already commented on the outstanding quality of the guitar solos. And that doesn’t change at all. ‘The Risk’ starts a little more quietly with fast guitar licks and a guitar melody. But Temtris don’t do without the high tempo and powerful sound here either. However, Genevieve’s high Metal screams stand above everything else. With a song title like ‘Narcosis’, you would actually expect a calm, lullaby-like sound. Far from it. Temtris kick off with a powerful mid-tempo blast. Although the drummer keeps the tempo up again at times with his double bass. The ‘Murder Of Crows’ also ensures a high tempo and hard playing from the instrumental section. Despite all the heaviness, the melodic part is not neglected. ‘Dying To Believe’ is then quieter. The vocals are occasionally accompanied by keyboard carpets. Here the musicians prove that, despite all the heaviness, they have a fine knack for beautiful melodic arcs. This can also be heard again and again in the Metal anthem ‘Carnival Of Tears’. And these melodies never take away from the hard sound. Every now and then there are also ballad-like sections. ‘No One Is Listening’ is another great Metal anthem. With ‘The World Is Bleeding Out’, you initially think you’re listening to a contemplative ballad. But that’s obviously not what Temtris want, at least not throughout. This last song is also characterised by a high tempo.

In the review of ‘Khaos Divine’, I had hoped for a power ballad. But, as on the two previous releases, Temtris show that they could definitely do this. ‘Queen Of Crows’ is bursting with handmade, straightforward Power Metal. The album is just as captivating as everything I’ve heard from the band so far. Power Metal could hardly be better celebrated. With so much variety, musicality and powerful sound, the Australians have reached the metal Olympus in my opinion.

Temtris – The World Is Bleeding Out: https://youtu.be/OQQ57s_pJmA?si=ISGm1VIjq1S3Y9lr

Lineup:

Anthony “Fox” Roberts – Guitars
Genevieve Rodda – Vocals
Nicholas Bolin – Drums
Vane Danov – Bass
Donovan Taylor – Guitars (lead)

Track list:

• Evil lies
• Scars Of Betrayal
• The Risk
• Narcosis
• The Murder Of Crows
• Dying To Believe
• Carnival Of Tears
• No One Is Listening
• The World Is Bleeding Out