US epic doom/traditional/power metal group Behölder has shared their upcoming album’s second single, “Eyes of the Deep”, featuring Amorphis vocalist Tomi Joutsen. The Dungeons & Dragons-driven five-piece will release their debut album, In the “Temple of the Tyrant”, on April 25th via Black Lion Records on CD, LP and digital platforms.
On the song’s narrative, Behölder shares:
“The Lovecraftian-style mystery/horror started on the first track, ‘A Pale Blood Sky’, continues. An old but still powerful man, hardened by many battles and wars throughout his life, learns of his only son’s disappearance and fears the worst. Picking up on the trail of clues left to him, he infiltrates the temple his son was last seen entering, intent on killing any and all who would dare stop him from learning the truth and ultimately issuing a one-on-one death challenge to the monstrous abomination the cult worship.”
Inspired by the legendary era of ancient times, Behölder weaves the heaviest of metal with the mystic powers of imagination, an alchemy that only classic Dungeons & Dragons can evoke. Formed by arcane forces from across the US, this epic doom/dark power metal entity honors the deities of old and takes its name from one of the most iconic and terrifying creatures in D&D lore.
Behölder was formed in late 2021 by guitarist Carlos Alvarez (Shadowdance, ex-Power Theory), a lifelong fan of both D&D and old-school doom metal. It seemed only natural for him to fulfill his long-standing vision of bringing the two worlds together musically, but opportunity was ever elusive. When inspiration and timing aligned as his former band went on hiatus, he quickly composed nine songs. However, the project truly came to life when vocalist John Yelland of US power metal band Judicator joined in late 2022. With a powerful and theatrical voice, ranging from grandiose to truly sinister, he was the perfect choice to bring life to the stories being crafted.
Guitarist Matt Hodsdon soon joined the duo, followed by drummer Andrew Julkowski, both from progressive metal band Chaos Frame. As recording commenced in November 2023, bassist Michael “Oneirous” Sanchez (King Ov Worms, ex-Judicator) joined in early 2024, completing the lineup. With the band assembled, so too was their debut album, In the Temple of the Tyrant.
At just under 50 minutes, In the Temple of the Tyrant features eight tracks of monstrous proportions – a true love letter to classic doom metal while also fusing elements of darker power and even traditional metal. Imposing riffs, majestic melodies, and epic vocals lure the listener into its shadowy depths. From the colossal, Lovecraftian-tinged opener “A Pale Blood Sky” to the haunting “Eyes of the Deep”, featuring a demonic guest appearance by Tomi Joutsen (Amorphis), to the monolithic closer “I Magus”, where neck-wrecking grooves build to a transcendent finale, In the Temple of the Tyrant stands boldly alongside the genre’s finest while carving its own legend.
With mixing and mastering by Ronnie Björnström (Björnström Ljud & Produktion, Sweden) and artwork from Zsofia Dankova (Powerwolf, Elvenking), In the Temple of the Tyrant is now ready to be unleashed upon all who seek dark tales of adventure filled with Magic, Mayhem, and Riffs Heavier Than a Storm Giant’s Ass!!!
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1. A Pale Blood Sky 2. Dungeon Crawl 3. Into The Underdark 4. Eyes of the Deep (featuring Tomi Joutsen of Amorphis) 5. For Those Who Fell 6. Draconian (Slave or Master) 7. Summoned & Bound 8. I Magus |
Photo: Adam Manwill Photography
