With the unlikely success story of his main venture Kvelertak becoming one of the most prominent Metal acts in recent years, drummer Kjetil Gjermindrød’s latest venture feels somewhat like a return to roots. Also consisting of brothers Espen and Inge, alongside childhood friend Andreas Espolin, Tempel has an air of those early stages Garage bands in the sense that it feels like it is being played purely for the thrill of it as opposed to having a grand plan. As a result, whilst certainly being an unrefined album, Tempel (Jansen Records) feels utterly pure and, quite simply, fun.

It could be expected that this would follow suit with that more typical Kvelertak sound (at least the first couple of albums), and the opening barrage of ‘Vendetta’ would initially support that claim with its raw and aggressive Hardcore like impact. Similarly, lead single and proceeding song ‘Wolves’ delves into that Hardcore and Black Metal combo that Kvelertak are renowned for, albeit with a slight Southern Rock guitar twang at the offset and with a more prominent melody in place of pure aggression.

Much of the rest of the album features a much wider array of styles and genres, however, and thus gives that organic aura of the band playing what they want just for the hell of their own enjoyment, heightening that comparison of the garage band cutting its teeth.

‘Afterlife’ in particular shows a massive love affair to the likes of Diamond Head as well as early Thrash Metal, whilst ‘Forest Cemetery’ invokes hints of Psych Rock, Sludge and even Killers (EMI) era Iron Maiden. Yet, for all this widespread influence throughout their songs, whilst it does feel a little unfocused, they never feel outright messy or unintentionally dissident, and there is an infectious charm they convey that makes up for it.

It is abundantly clear that Kvelertak will remain Kjetil’s main output (especially considering his live absence from Tempel), and it Is hard to see Tempel as anything more than a side project at this stage, but it is one that is definitely some attention. Whilst this is a flawed, rough round the edges effort, it also brings with it both a sonic diversity which will have some appeal to most people in some way, and a sense of exuberance and the unquestionable feel that the guys involved are having the best time, and as a result will surely put some smiles on people’s faces.

6 / 10

CHRIS TIPPELL