...SIŁA I PIĘKNO MUZYKI TKWIĄ W JEJ RÓŻNORODNOŚCI



..::OPIS::..

TEMIC are just one album in, but to reach this point, this supergroup had to navigate quite the career maze. These guys have played with Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, Neal Morse, SHINING and Maraton. But it wasn’t until the world shut down in 2020, that keyboardist Diego Tejedia and guitarist Eric Gillette got around to starting a band together.

Their idea wasn’t exactly simple: orchestrate their love for high-energy electronica and killer melodies into a modern prog-metal band. But by recruiting vocalist Fredrik Klemp and Simen Sandnes on drums, Temic manage to pull that concept off

Terror Management Theory is layered with twists and turns. “Count Your Losses” crushes out tech riffs by the ton, while “Falling Away” drifts down a blackhole of starry-eyed synths. At the end of this labyrinthine album lies “Mothalah”, a seven-minute epic that never stops reaching for the sky, led by heroic falsetto.




In a year where the amount of new prog music released has been plentiful (if not overwhelming), TEMIC throws their hat in the ring with their initial album Terror Management Theory. The influx of new acts releasing their inaugural albums is a beacon of hope for the health and vibrancy of progressive music, especially within the intricate realms of progressive metal. It speaks to the genre’s ability to continuously evolve and attract fresh talent, ensuring that the spirit of innovation and boundary-pushing remains alive. Each new debut represents a unique perspective and a potential shift in the landscape of progressive metal, contributing to its ever-expanding tapestry. It’s a thrilling time for both artists and listeners, as these emerging acts bring a wave of creativity and enthusiasm that revitalizes and sustains the genre for future exploration and aural adventures.

Diego Tejeida (Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, ex-Haken) the mastermind behind the keyboard and soundscape design, and Eric Gillette (Neal Morse Band, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress), a virtuoso guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, have joined forces to craft a musical odyssey for their collaborative venture, Temic. The seeds of this partnership were planted back in 2016 when their respective bands were on tour. But it took the pandemic shutdown of 2020 for Tejeida and Gillette to channel their collective passion into something new. United by a shared vision to push the boundaries of progressive music, these two gifted musicians have committed to weaving a sonic tapestry that seamlessly blends Tejeida’s keyboard universe with Gillette’s guitar prowess. Their upcoming album, set to release on November 17, 2023, blends the intricate complexities of progressive rock and metal with the pulsating energy of electronic music. The band’s vision prioritizes the pulse as the focal point while ensuring that the vocal melody reigns supreme. Temic’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries and creating a unique sound experience is bound to captivate listeners as they strive to leave their mark on the progressive music scene. This is possible by the additions of Simen Sandnes (Shining) on drums and Frederik Kemp (Maraton) on vocals. You can watch The Prog Report’s interview with Tejeida and Gillette ((HERE)).

After the short introductory “TMT”, “Throught the Sands of Time” kicks off with the band going with a great riff showing off the tightness of Gillette and Sandnes. Then the ethyreal keys of Tejeida supplement the introduction to Kemps’ vocals. The rhythmic syncopation of the instrumentation is balanced by the smooth vocal melodies and harmonies. The breakdown features some of the unique sound structure of the keys which leads into a great short guitar solo. The chorus soars the song through the end. The next track, “Falling Away”, is the band’s second single released in August. This is best represented by the chorus where Kemp and Gillette harmonize between minor and major chords which give it a very uplifting mood with deep guitar chugging reminiscent of Devin Townsend-type wall of sound. Behind the soundboard is the esteemed Rich Mouser (Spock’s Beard, Neal Morse, Transatlantic, Native Construct), who does his usual masterful job of delivering a crisp and powerful mix.

“Count Your Losses” is the band’s first single (released in July) which Tejeida gets to flex his blend of keyboard sound spectrum to drive the song from beginning to end. By this point in the album, it is clear TEMIC has the ability to apply a wide variety of styles as they look to establish their sonic footprint. “Skeletons” closes out the front half of the album with, at this point, their most diverse song. The Dream Theater style intricate introduction leads to a very mellow verse, then dropping into an Robert Trujillo/Infectious Grooves funk style keys and bass line for the second verse. Then comes Gillette’s strongest guitar solo of the album as the rhythm section chugs along quickly transitioning to another funk groove with Tejeida showing off his solo chops. This sounds like it was born from their collective experience in Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress tour.

“Acts Of Violence” brings in the mellower side of the album. The simple arrangement at the beginning allows for Kemp’s dynamic and melodic vocals to be showcased. Sandnes also contributes to the mood with brushes as the song is grooving along. Suddenly, Tejeida slams down a rocking keyboard solo while the band kicks into rock mode for the remainder of the song as Gillette closes the song with his usual shredding chops. This leads into the album’s instrumental “Friendly Fire”. This delivers in every way one would expect from highly skilled musicians in their craft. Once again, the time of touring with Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress is evident in this track. There are some rhythmic segments as well as melodic soaring solos. “Paradigm” is characterized by Kemp’s powerful vocals. He showcases a full range of dynamic control which delivers a soaring chorus.

Coming down the home stretch, “Once More” starts out as a straightforward rocking track as Sandnes alternates between different types of drum styles to keep the music diverse. Surprisingly, rather than delivering another masterfully played solo, the band goes into a heavy breakdown segment which is a stark contrast from the beginning of the song. The final track “Mothallah” is the most recent single released in October. The arrangement set it up as a micro-epic (it ‘only’ clocks in at 7:27). It is a microcosm of the album as it is the perfect closing song. It starts out with heavy guitars and drums then immediately into a soft and ethereal first verse. The second verse increases the intensity as it goes into the anthem style chorus. Tejeida and Gillette get their opportunity to shine in their solos before the song closes with a choir backing the band.

In the tapestry of progressive metal’s current renaissance Terror Management Theory emerges as a diverse sonic adventure. With this release, TEMIC seeks to establish their unique sound and carve out their identity within a booming progressive metal scene. The album not only showcases the band’s top-notch musical chops but also serves as a testament to Mouser’s Jedi-like sound engineering mastery. Amidst the variety of influences from their past bands, TEMIC manages to craft a distinct narrative, with the echoes of their musical roots subtly woven into each track. As the progressive metal scene witnesses a surge of new talent, this places Temic in the discussion of the top new band releases of 2023, promising not just studio excellence, but also a live performance spectacle waiting to unfold.

Vic J Giol


I’m split on certain albums, and I end up reviewing them if the split leans towards positive. I’m feeling that way about the Temic debut, called Terror Management Theory. It released on November 17th through Season of Mist.

Temic comes from the Aztec Nahuatl language and means “dream”. The band hails from multiple countries and is the collaboration, essentially, between ex-Haken keyboardist Diego Tejeida and guitarist Eric Gillette of The Neal Morse Band. I assume they became friends while playing with Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress. Anyways, they bring with them Fredrik Bergersen of Maraton on vocals and Simen Sandnes of Shining and Arkentype on drums. Guests include Jacob Umansky on bass and both the Mosaic Gospel Choir and Garden State Threshold Choir.

The band’s sound revolves around the fusion of keyboard-heavy and electronic melodies with a modern progressive rock, bordering on metal. There are plenty of heavy riffs, but I would still call this prog rock, and it definitely does “rock”. This album has so much energy, sweet keyboard fireworks, giant guitar solos, and this unrelenting drive, save for a few ambient portions. Everything feels modern and shiny and smooth.

And I think that’s where I’m having trouble. Don’t get me wrong; I like this album, and it is rock solid overall. However, there’s something missing for me. Fredrik’s vocals are pretty, but I don’t think I’ve embraced them fully, and they match the music in feeling shiny and smooth. It’s almost like we needed some grit tossed in here somewhere, and as expressive as the vocals are, they never come across as emotional or engaging on a heart level. You never feel like you absolutely must know what this guy is singing about, you know?

Another thing about this album is the ever-present shadows of Haken and Neal Morse. Some of my least favorite sections are when the band clearly veers away from their main idea into attempts at grabbing the fans of those two bands. The band is at their best when dark riffs meet groovy and stylish keys and electronica. The instrumentation and performances here are certainly top notch, but the band constantly tries to walk a line that ends up hurting their identity.

Why an 8 still? I think plenty of people will disagree with my last couple paragraphs, and the album is clearly made by professionals to a high degree of quality. It’s a good album, and so I think it deserves the score. But I think the band has potential to create something even more interesting, either by leaning more heavily into their main fusion idea, or even by bringing in Aztec themes in keeping with their name. I would really like to hear that.

Again, the album is rock solid, though, and I like each song to some extent. “Through the Sands of Time” is an early favorite with its electronic stylishness and great guitars. The single “Count Your Losses” is a convincing track with a terrific chorus, both in vocals and keys. “Skeletons” is definitely a great tune, sounding almost inspired by John Carpenter with its haunting keys and sweet, sweet bass groove. I do think the first half of the album is the stronger half.

Ironically, the best song on the album, without a doubt, is the closer “Mothallah”. It feels dark and personal, but also epic somehow. Fredrik lays down his silkiest vocals on the album, the choirs both come into play with atmospheric perfection, and the chorus—that the band holds back for a while—is glorious. That song gives me goosebumps. I think more songs like this one are what I hope this band pursues.

Temic has the makings of something truly special. I just hope the band can let go of other projects long enough to recognize that. Still, this is a grooving, exciting record that celebrates progressive rock while injecting it with some new flair. I think people will like it, and I’m excited to see what the band might create in the future.

The Prog Mind



..::TRACK-LIST::..

1. TMT 02:02
2. Through the Sands of Time 07:01
3. Falling Away 04:57
4. Count Your Losses 06:13
5. Skeletons 07:00
6. Acts of Violence 05:52
7. Friendly Fire 05:57
8. Paradigm 06:33
9. Once More 05:45
10. Mothallah 07:26



..::OBSADA::..

Fredrik Bergersen (Maraton, 22) - Vocals
Eric Gillette (The Neal Morse Band, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress) - Guitars and Backing Vocals
Simen Sandnes (Shining, Arkentype) - Drums and Percussion
Diego Tejeida (Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, ex-Haken) - Keyboards and Sound Design

Guest musicians:
Jacob Umansky (USA) - Bass guitar on the whole album
Mosaic Gospel Choir (Norway) - Mothallah
Garden State Threshold Choir (USA) - Mothallah




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzMcZm2x8uI



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