Singles Roundup: Motive Black, Skid Row, Temperance, & Fallen Sanctuary

Motive Black - Lift Me Up

It's been two years since Motive Black released their first single, "Broken". I loved that song, and have been gobsmacked the band went radio silent for well over a year, and is only now releasing their second song, even more months after the announcement of their record deal. I understand there was a pandemic going on, but for a new band to disappear for two years with only one song to their name seems like the worst thing that could possibly do. It doesn't help that they return with this song, which doesn't come close to "Broken". This song sounds far more generic, the hooks aren't there, and even the vocals don't have the same sparkle to them. The few bits of harsh barking don't help either, but it's the core of the song that's the problem. After waiting this long, I was expecting so, so much more than this.

Skid Row - The Gang's All Here

Skid Row has yet another new singer, after the last one was in the band for years, but never appeared on a record. That tells you everything you need to know about what's wrong with Skid Row. New singer Erik Gronwall has a tremendous voice, and I absolutely love one of the album he made as a member of H.E.A.T., but this song is a far cry from that glory. Skid Row has given us a perfectly average song that is the very definition of harmless. I wouldn't turn it off if it happened to come on, but I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it either. The mix doesn't do Erik many favors, but when he's not given much to do except throw out rock platitudes, it doesn't matter much.

Temperance - Set Yourself Free

This is a bonus track to the new, 'deluxe' version of "Diamante". I feel bad for anyone who bought that album, and now sees a new version come out with another really good song on it. The label is basically giving the finger to anyone who spent their money on the record, making their product incomplete if they also like this song. And they should, because it's another Temperance song that nails the balance between melodic heavy metal and pure pop. The band has an uncanny knack for writing bouncing hooks that their layered vocal approach turns into an amazing experience. It's a great song that would have made the already great "Diamante" even better. Released like this, it's rather annoying, though.

Fallen Sanctuary - Broken Dreams

Speaking of Temperance, this new band sees one of their singers teaming up with Georg from Sanctuary, to play music that sounds like a blend of their two bands. I'm not entirely sure I understand why either of them needs to have another outlet to play yet more melodic metal, but when it sounds this good, I'm not going to complain. Both are able to write some truly great songs, and they picked one of their best to showcase this new collaboration. It sounds like we can expect an album of classy melodic metal, the likes of which I haven't heard yet this year. I'm looking forward to it.