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SHAKE THE TEMPLE are about to embark on the launch of their second album.
The Aussie hard rockers emerged during the COVID years with their self-titled debut album, spawning a string of singles. Reviews praised the band’smusic videos and songs.
Classic Rock magazine claimed SHAKE THE TEMPLE carved out a niche that had listeners and industry wondering whether the trio were in thebusiness of writing movie soundtracks, such is the depth and sentiment in their song and lyric.
The architect is singer songwriter, John Joseph, who established the band as a vessel to deliver his inspiring melodies and storytelling.
With influences ranging from vintage 70s metal, through to anthemic AOR, the band’s members boast a history supporting iconic rock artists suchas KISS and Rose Tattoo, whilst newly recruited American drummer Matt Starr – who needs little introduction – brings recent stints recording andtouring with Ace Frehley and Mr. Big.
I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone – to challenge myself vocally, my guitar playing, the song writing, the production and elevate thesound into a heavier realm for some songs, and even more hooky and memorable moments with the more accessible tracks’, said Joseph.
Joseph goes on to explain the origins of the new songs come from a very dark, but inspiring place, after the vocalist was forced into lifesaving surgery.
‘This album was written from the day I woke up from my craniotomy (brain surgery). From the moment the lights went out in the anaesthesia ward, tothe moment I awoke and the weeks and months that followed. The first single HOLD ME came to me in my sleep when I was under sedation’, Josephlamented.
The variety of the album is reminiscent of a soundtrack from a movie. The first singles to be lifted from the album include the aforementioned HOLDME, a punchy, moody rock anthem, and the chilling EYES BEHIND THE GLASS. Yet, the third single is simply genius, an unexpected gem whichcompletely shifts the ground under the listener. Like a plutonic plate shifting beneath the earth, BMX BANDIT appears out of nowhere – a nostalgictreat, layered with strings and acoustics, but certainly not void of power.
A sneaky listen to some of the remaining tracks reveals an Iron Maiden-esque two part, long-form concept song Joseph calls 1942 PART1 and PART2. Together, the songs combine for over 12 minutes of epicness, reminiscent of iconic 80s metal. Complex riffs, laced with mountains of layeredmelody and deep subject matter compels one to listen to the very bitter end.
With the release date to be announced, expect SHAKE THE TEMPLE to hit the road for live shows in support of the album in 2025.
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