There was a late charge last year for ‘album of the year 2024’ and Finnish rockers Temple Balls 4th album ‘Avalanche’ was one of the main challengers. If you’ve followed the band from that first release back in 2016 then you’ll know what to expect and for me these guys just get better with each release.
2019 saw second album ‘Untamed’ top that first release and 2021’s ‘Pyromide’ in turn topped that and now just like clockwork ‘Avalanche’ comes along and lifts the bar again. If you love high energy melodic rock then you should already be onboard but if not then this is the record that should see you board the train.
Preceded by singles ‘Strike Like a Cobra’ and ‘No Reason’ the album starts with a bang with ‘All Night Long’ setting up the ride with a driving pace, replete with cool riff and an ear-worm of a chorus. And that’s the way we stay few the next few tracks, making the most of those great harmonies and riffs and whipping up a relentless tempo to keep us driving forward whilst still hitting all the opportunities to get the sing-along going with some great lyrics and made to roar’ choruses. The playing is impeccable, solos well planned and there’s an undeniable 80’s lean to the songs, ‘Stand Up and Fight’ seemingly made to play live.
If you like those opening four then ‘Prisoner in Time’ adds more swagger to the mix and takes the pace off, it’s a great song and leads to the high energy ‘Strike Like a Cobra’ that picks up the pace again. ‘No Reason’ adds a nice little sway, swagger and a gang vocal sing along and ‘Northern Lion’ and ‘Dead Weight’ push the envelope further with some killer guitar, heavier intent and some wonderful vocals. It’s a great late run of songs.
Before you know it we’re at ‘Stone Cold Bones’ a song that takes the pace off and showcases some killer vocals and a searing solo. The final word comes with the title track ‘Avalanche’ – the fuse is lit with searing guitar and we are off a soaring high into the sky. A great high energy rocker to see us off and one of my favourites here. Temple Balls have produced another great record. If you’re looking for great Melodic Hard Rock with an occasional Metal edge, searing guitars, great melodies and superb vocals look no further. This is heady stuff!
Track listing:
1. All Night Long
2. Trap
3. Lonely Stranger
4. Stand Up And Fight
5. Prisoner In Time
6. Strike Like A Cobra
7. No Reason
8. Northern Lion
9. Dead Weight
10. Stone Cold Bones
11. Avalanche
Line-up:
Arde Teronen – Vocals
Jimi Välikangas – Bass
Jiri Paavonaho – Guitar
Niko Vuorela – Guitar
Antti Hissa – Drums
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