Temperance : Viridian Review

Temperance is a Symphonic Metal band that features three lead vocalists. One female and two males, each brings a style to lead the full metal sounds of great guitar riffs and driving drums and bass. The three singers are Alessia Scolletti’s sparkling voice, the robust sound of Michele Guaitoli, and the rough vocals of mastermind and guitarist Marco Pastorino. The band unites substance with an impressive collection of catchy melodies. Temperance has released four albums in the past five years. Temperance is now releasing their new album Viridian and making their Napalm Records debut. Viridian is twelve tracks that present the three vocalists in a balanced and harmonized combination with sincere lyrics and excellent band sounds. Viridian was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Epica, Amaranthe), with the cover artwork by Yann Souetre (Ayreon).

“I Am the Fire” begins with a catchy guitar melody by Scolleti while bassist Luca Negro, and drummer Alfonso Mocerino provides an energetic wall of sound for support. The band’s ability to present a melody with both male and female lead singing with the added strength of well-sung multipart vocal harmonies is very unique. Starting with Guaitoli, the first verse followed by Scolletti singing the second, the melody is also building with full vocal harmonies. This varying in vocal timbres easily captures the imagination of the listener and makes for an easy listen. The chorus is catchy, and the guitar work is full of energy and drive. All three singers show a wide variety of vocal skills with wide leaps and falsetto screams.

“My Demons Can’t Sleep” pairs bouncing synths with big arena guitar sounds to thumping bass and drums to support the three vocalists in an upbeat selection that is well-written. Pastorino sings the first verse; his lower register is full and carries the melody nicely. Guaitoli takes over as the melody moves up in register and drama. The three joins together to build an impressive wall of sound that is colored with a blend of male and female sounds. Guaitoli and Pastorino blend in both timbre and style to create a compelling sound. Scolletti has a beautiful voice and adds the perfect touch of class and angelic timbre.

Temperance is a band that is built around talented singers and well-written songs. The high notes, power, and vocal control the three singers can produce are impressive and unique in the Symphonic Metal genre. The mix is a little crowded, but still an excellent album. Viridian is an album that metal fans will relish in for the singing, driving guitars, and powerful rhythm section.