Album Review: Temperance - Viridian

I've mentioned many times over the years that power metal was my gateway into the world of heavier music, and that despite my roots in that sub-genre, I have found the scene to be extremely tired and played out in recent years. Other than Orden Ogan, who are consistently good, there hasn't been a lot in the world of power metal that has captured my attention and managed to hold it. The albums that have are largely things that inject more rock into the proceedings. A couple years ago, however, Temperance released "Of Jupiter And Moons", which was symphonic power metal that did stand out, that did excel, that did make an impact.

A large part of that was due to the band's multiple vocalists, who play off one another and add plenty of depth and nuance to the writing, the performance, and especially the harmonies. That record has a few flaws, sure, but it was a bright and vibrant piece of work that has lingered in my mind ever since. With the band moving to a new and bigger label, and riding off the success of that record, I certainly came into this record expecting something really good.

The album gets off to a ripping start with "Mission Impossible", one of the singles the band previewed before the release. It wastes no time getting right to the heavy riffing, with the slick modern sound that has been slowly taking over the scene. The difference is that Temperance is able to take that rhythmic foundation and graft on huge hooks and melodies, which are sweetened by the three voices blending into a far more lush sound than a lot of bands are able to achieve, whether through choice or multi-tracking the same voice several times. There's a real difference when you have different singers coming together, and it's Temperance's biggest selling point. It sounds phenomenal.

I go to this well often, but there is a natural comparison to be made here with Amaranthe. They both have multiple singers, a knack for huge choruses, and a polished modern sound. They also operate on a level above the usual competition. There are a lot of bands that can match the chugging guitars and the hints of electronic influences, but it's rare for any to consistently write sticky hooks. Temperance is able to do that, and "Viridian" picks up where the last album left off, in that regard.

This record is a bit different, though. The band is focused more on their metal edge, with less symphonic bits softening their sound. They're equally adept at both, so that isn't a criticism, merely an observation. What it does is set them up for success, because this record is even more focused, and primed to cross over to more metal fans than before. The band took their music, pared it down to the bones, and worked to deliver an album with a laser focus on their target audience.

To that end, "Viridian" is exactly the type of album I'm always searching for. There's not much better than heavy guitars and huge melodies, so especially after the slow holiday season and start to the new year, this is the first album of 2020 that feels satisfying. There's plenty of metallic crunch here to headband to, there's little details in the background to put your tongue firmly in your cheek, and of course the hooks will have your head bopping along. At certain times, what we need most of all are records that can make us feel good, and I get that sense from "Viridian". There's something about the sound that is uplifting.

I'll be honest, though. While this record sates me, I do miss some of the elements from "Of Jupiter And Moons" that didn't make it to this album. The songs are great, but the scope of the record has been narrowed slightly. That's not a problem, but when you get to the gorgeous orchestral ballad "Scent Of Dye", it opens up so many possibilities that it would have benefitted the album even more to go down that road a bit more often.

Still, that's no reason to complain. Temperance has once again given us an album that shows power metal being done as well as anyone is doing it, justifying their climb up the ranks, and putting the first marker down in the battle to top the rankings in 2020.