I’m split on certain albums, and I end up reviewing them if the split leans towards positive. I’m feeling that way about the Temic debut, called Terror Management Theory. It released on November 17th through Season of Mist.
Temic comes from the Aztec Nahuatl language and means “dream”. The band hails from multiple countries and is the collaboration, essentially, between ex-Haken keyboardist Diego Tejeida and guitarist Eric Gillette of The Neal Morse Band. I assume they became friends while playing with Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress. Anyways, they bring with them Fredrik Bergersen of Maraton on vocals and Simen Sandnes of Shining and Arkentype on drums. Guests include Jacob Umansky on bass and both the Mosaic Gospel Choir and Garden State Threshold Choir.
The band’s sound revolves around the fusion of keyboard-heavy and electronic melodies with a modern progressive rock, bordering on metal. There are plenty of heavy riffs, but I would still call this prog rock, and it definitely does “rock”. This album has so much energy, sweet keyboard fireworks, giant guitar solos, and this unrelenting drive, save for a few ambient portions. Everything feels modern and shiny and smooth.
And I think that’s where I’m having trouble. Don’t get me wrong; I like this album, and it is rock solid overall. However, there’s something missing for me. Fredrik’s vocals are pretty, but I don’t think I’ve embraced them fully, and they match the music in feeling shiny and smooth. It’s almost like we needed some grit tossed in here somewhere, and as expressive as the vocals are, they never come across as emotional or engaging on a heart level. You never feel like you absolutely must know what this guy is singing about, you know?
Another thing about this album is the ever-present shadows of Haken and Neal Morse. Some of my least favorite sections are when the band clearly veers away from their main idea into attempts at grabbing the fans of those two bands. The band is at their best when dark riffs meet groovy and stylish keys and electronica. The instrumentation and performances here are certainly top notch, but the band constantly tries to walk a line that ends up hurting their identity.
Why an 8 still? I think plenty of people will disagree with my last couple paragraphs, and the album is clearly made by professionals to a high degree of quality. It’s a good album, and so I think it deserves the score. But I think the band has potential to create something even more interesting, either by leaning more heavily into their main fusion idea, or even by bringing in Aztec themes in keeping with their name. I would really like to hear that.
Again, the album is rock solid, though, and I like each song to some extent. “Through the Sands of Time” is an early favorite with its electronic stylishness and great guitars. The single “Count Your Losses” is a convincing track with a terrific chorus, both in vocals and keys. “Skeletons” is definitely a great tune, sounding almost inspired by John Carpenter with its haunting keys and sweet, sweet bass groove. I do think the first half of the album is the stronger half.
Ironically, the best song on the album, without a doubt, is the closer “Mothallah”. It feels dark and personal, but also epic somehow. Fredrik lays down his silkiest vocals on the album, the choirs both come into play with atmospheric perfection, and the chorus—that the band holds back for a while—is glorious. That song gives me goosebumps. I think more songs like this one are what I hope this band pursues.
Temic has the makings of something truly special. I just hope the band can let go of other projects long enough to recognize that. Still, this is a grooving, exciting record that celebrates progressive rock while injecting it with some new flair. I think people will like it, and I’m excited to see what the band might create in the future.
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Find Temic online:
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The PROG Mind 