As time wears on it becomes more difficult to find much worthy of your full attention in the Rock world. A period full of soundalike acts with sadly little substances, fortunately if you dig deeper there are some interesting things beneath the surface. Perhaps nothing new for those listeners who have always sought more, it is inevitably the oversaturation (thanks to the internet) that makes these treasure hunts for music oddly more challenging. Either way, there are acts out there, and Black Orchid Empire is one of them.
Formed around 10 years ago, the English band built as a trio (Guitarist/Vocals Paul Visser, Bassist/Vocalist Dave Ferguson, and Drummer Billy Freedom) has quietly earned a following thanks to string of enticing albums; 2016 self-released debut Archetype, before they signed to Long Branch Records to release 2018’s Yugen and 2020’s Semaphore. Each showing a certain level of progression, now in 2023, the band take another step forward with their fourth album, Tempus Veritas.
Released on April 14th, it marks their first album as a part of Season of Mist, and could be their best yet. Now, for those who have no clue who Black Orchid Empire are, the best way to describe them is a mix between Alternative and Progressive Metal, but with more structured Hard Rock sensibility in their songwriting. That in mind, it is their songwriting talents that really separate them from others out there; because they know how to create an atmosphere, showcase impressive musicianship, but all while still giving you hooky choruses and powerful guitar riffs. With this, they are a band that fit well within a place Hard Rock fans can dig… but also are one more underground Metalheads can find something interesting. This is accomplished through, as stated, the songwriting, but also Visser’s voice. Possessing a smooth tone, Visser’s approach does not resort to modern quirky Hard Rock/Metal vocal stylings where there is out place, unnecessary screams, instead, he actually sings.
Everything put into consideration, the 11 songs that make up Tempus Veritas offer something thoughtful, engaging, and really strong. There is heaviness, but also delicate textures and dynamics that dress each track. This can be heard throughout, but some of the most exciting moments include “Hydrogen,” “The Raven,” “Scarlet Haze,” “Deny the Sun,” “Glory to the King,” and “Weakness.” Each offering razor sharp guitar grooves matched with melody, Visser’s voice dips and dives over the top telling stories that are filled with personal feeling, but also a broader, universal depth.
In the end Black Orchid Empire are a band that more should know about and Tempus Veritas could very well be that vehicle toward more exposure. And if you are still someone who needs points of reference to even give any band your time, if you enjoy others like Katatonia, Tool, A Perfect Circle, or even Finland’s Rapture, you need to check out Black Orchid Empire. A lovely, energetic album, Cryptic Rock gives Tempus Veritas 4 out of 5 stars.
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