| Musical Style: Hard Rock | Produced By: Paul May |
| Record Label: Soundmass | Country Of Origin: UK |
| Year Released: 2025 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: |
After over fifteen years of waiting, the Temple Dogs self-titled debut finally saw release in November of 2025 via Soundmass Records. The star studded UK based act formed following the turn of the century and started work in 2007 on Temple Dogs, which was scheduled for a 2008 release but for reasons unknown was placed on the back burner indefinitely. Star studded in terms of manner in which Temple Dogs features a distinguished lineup including vocalist Paul May, better known for releasing three albums as part of A.N.D. and four others with original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins under the Atkins May Project moniker, and vocalist Dave Rowley, having recorded a studio and live album with Crucifer. Rounding out the Temple Dogs rosters is bassist Pete Emms (V-Rats) and drummer Rob Allen (PPP).
Performing what it refers to as ‘hard rock ‘n’ roll’ (quoting its press material), Temple Dogs draws heavily from straightforward hard rock with strong aspects of blues and classic rock. While not inviting direct comparison, I see those into early 90’s Bride, Red Sea and Die Happy identifying with much of the groups material. That said I also do not wish to pigeonhole Temple Dogs in light of the fact you will also find influences to its sound diverse as modern rock and even some accessible punk/wave moments.
Temple Dogs is bookended by a pair of songs that while far from bad in my opinion are a slight step down compared to its better material. Opener “4U”, for instance, is a medium to good modern rocker that is by no means flawed but stays true to the modern formula a bit too much for my taste, while “Drag You Down” might rock heavily but I find to lack the distinctive hooks to prevent it from sidestepping repeat play predictability.
Album hits its stride beginning with second cut “Liberty”, a seething showstopper inbred to formidable bass (low end is literally staggering) and soulful rhythms that hint of The Cult (the beguiling swagger refuses to adjourn). Rowley’s raspy mid-paced vocals flawlessly align with the songs endearing sense of melodic groove. Lyric snippet:
Now’s the time to make your stand
For what you believe in
It’s your right
Let’s understand
We can put it together
Don’t you be afraid
The Spirit of freedom is calling
Raise your hands, let the voice unite
The people shout in glory
“Close To The Wire” represents Temple Dogs blues edged heavy rock at its finest. Song gradually fades in and out to left to right channel feedback, with moments in between granulating to tough-minded rhythm guitar and brandishing hooks bleeding of sculpted emotion. May’s masterful lead guitar walks a fine line between that bluesy and shred based.
“The Sound” tempers to a commercial heading. Song exudes of straight on rock as opposed to hard rock, pinpointing guitar rhythms that bring to mind R.E.M. hit “The One I Love” but without any of the alternative trappings, not to mention impossible to resist ‘ooh-whoa-lah-lah-lah-lah’ vocal melodies. This one echoes of the Temple Dogs milder side. Lyric snippet:
I can hear the sound ringing in my ears
Chasing back my fears
It’s a song of freedom, a song of joy
But I can hear the sound, drawing me near
I can shout it loud
And glad will be my heart
Honored and proud, I will sing this song of love
The song of freedom, the song of joy
As does “Yeah Yeah” from reveling in blues-rock with a heavy rocking fortitude. Blithe, jovial and mirthful, song clasps with its immediate appeal - it is a challenge to keep the infection refrain repeating songs title in congenial fashion from your mind - and smoldering front to back grit-laden licks and chops. This might be a stretch but imagine an eighties pop metal band deluging of a paramount blues perspective- it is that good!
“I’m Still Standing” might not be distinct as some here but is still good. Yes, it reveals a straightforward hard rock inclining with distinguishable hooks and perceptible guitar crunch, but does not feel complete at just two and half minute- if extended an extra minute or two I can see it be given further opportunity to build and define itself.
Said accessible punk/wave residuals reveal on “Brave Life”, specifying the repeated and quite engaging ‘whoa-whoa’ backing vocals that give rise to a commercial bent. Song is otherwise lively and upbeat with a gripping melodic hard rock appeal as opposed to the groups signature blues basis. Put this one on FM radio and I can see it thriving. Lyric snippet:
It’s a brave life, standing alone
With a brave thought, that’s driving you on
Takes a brave heart to follow it through
And a brave man to do what you do
There is one life, live it today
There is one life, finding a way
There is one heart, beating for you
There is one God, holding the truth
“Dogone Days” separates as one of Temple Dogs heaviest and finest. It proves an enterprising powerhouse, animated with its uncompromising front to back dogged guitar affection (May is at the top of his game on this one) but also undeniable as the unambiguous hooks refuse to withdraw (Rowley’s course grain delivery proves crucial in this regard). Prime Bride could not do it better.
“Serpents Kiss” represents this reviewer’s choice track. Song opens its first minute and half in laid back acoustic blues fashion only to fragment at once, procuring of Red Sea like metal-based hard rock as catchy guitar harmonies elevate the moving projections to higher levels. Yet, at a moments notice momentum decelerates back to an acoustic direction- back and forth and back again. Abundant instrumental moments find Temple Dogs firing on all cylinders musicianship wise. Lyric snippet:
For forty days and forty nights out on the desert plains
The devil came to tempt the soul of a righteous man
Came in his hunger to lure Him with gold
Offered Him the kingdom of a fallen world
The devil failed in his attempt to crush this pure man
The man stood for justice, for freedom He came
The one true Messiah, and Jesus was His name
Jesus was His name, Yeshua
On its self-titled debut, Temple Dogs imparts hard rock with an element of diversity- from blues to classic rock to punk/wave nuances. Regardless of form, it works in that the group has composed some very fine material with the likes of “Liberty”, “Close To The Wire”, “Brave Life”, “Dogone Days” and “Serpents Kiss” separating as top cuts. Performance is such that the album feels less like a studio project and more akin to a well-honed band that has been rehearsing its material for years. Give credit to Soundmass Records for making Temple Dogs available after the passing of such an extended timeframe.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “4U” (3:13), “Liberty” (4:05), “Close To The Wire” (5:35), “The Sound” (3:46), “Yeah Yeah” (5:00), “I’m Still Standing” ( 2:37), “Brave Life” (3:33), “Dogone Days” (4:14), “Serpents Kiss” (5:05), “Drag You Down” (4:12)
Musicians
Dave Rowley - Lead Vocals
Paul May - Guitars
Pete Emms - Bass
Rob Allen - Drums
