Heavy Metal Tribune

Temblad [USA]
Mockery of the Fanatic
2011
EP
Independent
Death/Thrash Metal

Temblad is a young death/thrash metal band out of San Diego, and shortly after their formation in 2011, they release a collection of their very first recordings in the form of their debut EP, Mockery of the Fanatic. The album artwork instantly caught my attention, with the blatant anti-Islam sentiments that are immediately visible, making them stand out from the anti-Christian trend that has plagued extreme metal over the years. That aside though, the main concern here personally would be the music that is beyond the album artwork, and whether it is strong enough to live up to the blasphemous imagery of the artwork.

And the band hits relentlessly at the listener, as album opener Paralytic immediately throws the listener into a myriad of frantic guitar riffs and blasting drum beats, reminding listeners instantly of such death/thrash bands as India's Devoid. Vocalist Lorenzo's style though, displays a wide variety of influences, ranging from those thrash metal barks (like those of Meshuggah's Jens Kidman) to a grindcore influenced guttural, inhuman growls. Strategeddon also sees Lorenzo using a strained clean singing style, and the variety of different vocal styles that are used on the EP certainly gives the music a unique touch, giving different feels to the various segments.

Also, instead of just mindless blasting, Temblad incorporates a technical edge in the music they have written as well, with the numerous complex sections that are present, and the constant transition between different styles on the EP. For example, Paralytic itself sees the band transiting between more melodic thrashy to technical death metal sections with ease, displaying the versatility of the various musicians in the band. Winter even has a quirky portion at the intro, with the bass driving the song forward for a short while, and fitting to its name, gives the track a nice, groovy feel. Marlon's hits on the drums are also relentless, helping to provide the heavy edge in the music along with the abrasive guitars of Kevork and Lorenzo. The title track Mockery of the Fanatic also sees the band keeping with their anti-Islam theme with the sound samples that are included.

The energy that is present in the recording is extremely infectious, with the band going full speed ahead right from the start and it is non-stop fun for the entire 14 minutes of music on the album, topped by the intensity and the blasphemous rage that fills the EP. The only gripe is the shortness of the EP, leaving listeners craving for more.

Temblad on the internet:
Official website
Facebook
BandCamp

©2012 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui