Heavy Temple - Garden of Heathens
Where the debut full-length "Lupi Amoris" charged forward like a roaring mastodon, "Garden of Heathens" comes across more diverse and sophisticated without losing punch or heaviness. And while the powerful vocals of frontwoman High Priestess Nighthawk provide a strong gravitational pull, HEAVY TEMPLE always remain a riff-first kind of band. Even so, the heavy-touring Philadelphia, PA trio have expanded their range to encompass an even wider breadth of rock and metal road stops, from BARONESS to THE BEATLES and BLACK SABBATH to FU MANCHU – with many crossroads in between.

Wherever HEAVY TEMPLE are heading on this diverse and dynamic record, they always stay real with both feet on the ground. Except, that is, when it comes to the lyrics. With her words, the High Priestess admits to peddling a version of things that isn't real – with a grim smile and quite deliberately so. In fact, that's the theme running through "Garden of Heathens" as a red thread. From the American Dream to relationships, below the surface there is anxiety, betrayal, and doubt. And while some of the lyrical metaphors might at first glance seem to focus on religion, they are definitely not that literal. Rather, these are Nighthawk's most personal lyrics ever.

HEAVY TEMPLE came into existence on the 2012 winter solstice during a night filled with the pure enjoyment of creating and playing heavy music. Once established, they drew a steadily growing flock to local shows in Philly, and soon gladly accepted invitations to tour alongside such notables as RUBY THE HATCHET, MOTHERSHIP, ROYAL THUNDER, and CORROSION OF CONFORMITY as well as performances at notable festivals such as The Maryland Doom Fest, Psycho Las Vegas, and Decibel Metal & Beer, among many others.

Following the two EPs "Heavy Temple” (2014) and "Chassit" (2016) and a number of singles, HEAVY TEMPLE at last took a break from heavy touring to record their first full-length. "Lupi Amoris" (“Wolves of Love”) was released in 2021 to strong applause from both critics and followers alike. This album opened new doors including more festival appearances, a US tour with THE OBSESSED and their first tour of Europe with friends and labelmates HOWLING GIANT.

HEAVY TEMPLE are not just back, they are here to stay. "Garden of Heathens" gives strong testimony that the trio is pushing hard to broaden their spectrum and break through any preconceptions and obstacles in front of them. "Garden of Heathens" sheds new light and a wider perspective on heavy and desert rock, psychedelia, and doom metal. Check this out!

Release date: April 12, 2024
Label: Magnetic Eye Records
Style: Heavy Psychedelic Doom
Review impact date: March 26, 2024

Tracklist
1. Extreme Indifference to Life
2. Hiraeth
3. Divine Indiscretion
4. House of Warship
5. Snake Oil (and Other Remedies)
6. In the Garden of Heathens
7. Jesus Wept
8. Psychomanteum

Recording line-up
High Priestess Nighthawk vocals, bass
Lord Paisley guitar
Baron Lycan drums

Guest musician
John Forrestal cello