Finnish hard rockers TEMPLE BALLS are poised to release a new serving of uplifting melodies, catchy choruses, anthemic numbers, and all-around high-energy music with their fourth album, “Avalanche.” The intense follow-up to the well-received “Pyromide” will be available on November 10th, 2023, via Frontiers Records and sees the band perfecting their formula and delivering more rocking tunes that will have you moving in no time.
While I may not be the biggest fan of this genre as I find it to be mostly empty music that is more style over substance, I have to admit that every now and then such songs are a welcome distraction from the chaos of everyday life and the current state of the world. In this respect, “Avalanche” is exactly what the doctor ordered providing the listeners with plenty of hooks, riffs, and upbeat moments that are reminiscent of the ‘80s… and some are just as cheesy. Opening track “All Night Long” is an ode to the rock and roll scene of yore with its meaty lead guitar riff, layered vocals that repeat the melodic hook, and an ambiance that only needs some neon lights to be complete wonderfully supporting the lyrics and high-pitched vocals. On the other hand, energetic single “Trap” feels more modern and sleek by comparison, even if it still boasts high-pitched vocals, a super catchy (if somewhat corny) chorus, and a great guitar melody that pops up here and there, while the layered vocals add a nice dynamic to the fold.
Up next, “Lonely Stranger” feels dark and ominous not just because of the lyrics but also because of the brooding vocals in the verses even if the high-octane chorus and amazing solo inject some energy into the track. I can easily see this one (and “All Night Long”) on an ‘80s mixtape, it has that old-school vibe. As per its title, “Stand Up and Fight” is a very simple and anthemic number that rides high on its chorus and guitar work while the thumping drum rhythm is great for dancing or moving to the beat. There’s a neat ebb-and-flow to the way this album is put together going from retro-sounding tracks to stadium-size bangers with easy and no apparent disruption or sense of disconnect to the flow of the music. Consequently, the next track, “Prisoner in Time,” has a strong EUROPE vibe going for it with a great, driving rhythm to the guitars while the vocals are confident and powerful even if Arde Teronen doesn’t have Joey Tempest’s clean tone but the intensity and charisma are there. Speaking of the guitars, Jiri Paavonaho and Niko Vuorela deliver some truly amazing riffs and solos that make the tracks stand out more while adding different nuances and textures to the album’s overall soundscape. I think their guitar work is the album’s main strength.
Released as a single last year, “Strike Like a Cobra” is another energetic and highly anthemic number with a powerful bass line underlining the main melody while the layered vocals bring some oomph to Teronen’s lead vocals making the track feel fuller and more potent. More recent single “No Reason” has an uplifting vocal line that complements the excellent guitar melodies and thumping bass. It’s one of those feel-good songs that puts the listeners in a good mood almost instantly. By contrast, “Northern Lion” is a fast-paced and intense track with a massive groove and powerful drums giving it depth and punchiness while another amazing solo elevates everything to the next level. Latest single “Dead Weight” opens on a killer riff and has one of best lead melodies and one of the strongest choruses on this album that will definitely make it a live favorite (if it’s not already). Rounding up the album is mid-tempo “Stone Cold Bones” which acts like the album’s obligatory ballad delivering a melancholy vibe while “Avalanche” brings back the driving rhythms and uplifting melodies for one last time.
All-in-all, “Avalanche” is a surprisingly diverse album that plays on the band’s strength of creating memorable melodies and delivering them with passion and intensity. While there’s no denying the strong influence of the ‘80s rock and roll sound on these songs, there’s also a freshness to these tunes that doesn’t make them feel all that nostalgic. On the contrary, most of these songs see the band pushing the boundaries of their sound in new and exciting directions with really great results. The album offers bombastic melodic hard rock of the highest caliber that still feels grounded and forthright yet highly enjoyable.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
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
Label
Frontiers Records
