Temperance (Self-titled)

The symphonic metal genre gets a really nice kick in the rear with some melodeath elements, courtesy of Temperance.So sure there's nothing new about a female-fronted band, even a heavy one. But often times the sticky wicket is that the overall sound suffers for lack of the aggressive edge that metal fans expect, relegating otherwise talented singers to mere novelty and eye candy.

Europe's latest rockers, Temperance, have just hit the scene with their self-titled debut album mixed and mastered by none other than guitar wizard Simone Mularoni (DGM). Right off the bat you can appreciate the band's committment to a heavy sound despite the symphonic metal trappings one might expect. Sure, they're there, but I've rarely heard this level of power - from the satisfying rhythmic punch to the addition of death metal growls - in bands like Nightwish or Lacuna Coil. Less gothic adornment, more balls and chunk™. Capische?

The Bottom Line: In this incredible modern age of metal it takes a lot to stand out from the crowd, but Temperance has a formula that works pretty well, taking symphonic metal and kicking it up a few notches with some heavy almost progressive elements. Nice debut, guys (and gal).

- Genghis can't get enough of Simone's shredding on YouTube...