The death metal force know as Temple of Void are evolving, rolling their 20-sided die yet again. This time, it’s raw, in-your-face, dissonant, heavy, and absolutely human. On their new record, The Crawl, the caveman brawn of previous records, namely 2022s Summoning the Slayer remains, but there’s a wider dynamic at play on this new record. Now a quartet – featuring guitarist Alex Awn, drummer Jason Pearce, vocalist and guitarist Mike Erdody, and bassist Justin Malek – the Michiganders aren’t shying away from their non-metal influences, seeking greater integration of grunge and post-punk with their brutish signature. The title-track and lead single of the record demonstrates the proficiency of Temple of Void’s death-cloaked, spearheaded attack. From the high intensity of opener “Poison Icon” to the granite wall of “The Twin Stranger”, The Crawl isn’t just Temple of Void evolved, it’s a harbinger of death metal to come.
For lyrics, Erdody built on the psychology and fear themes of Summoning the Slayer. The overarching theme of The Crawl is, put rather simply, an “allegory about life, choices, and consequences”. It’s a qualitative view on the horrors of the human condition and the contemplation of our monstrous capabilities. The Crawl was tracked in a single “colder-than-hell” week in January, etched into proverbial obsidian at Kurt Ballou’s GodCity Studio (Gatecreeper, High On Fire) in Salem, MA. Ballou was assisted by engineer Zach Weeks (Deafheaven, Fuming Mouth). Both studio mavens were enlisted by Temple of Void because they wanted a “human”-sounding, spontaneous record. This is evident from the heavy-as-fuck, raw-edged guitar and bass tones, as well as Pearce’s in-the-room drum sound. Ace Brad Boatright, who’s handled everyone from Sleep to Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon (aka Stranger Things), was brought on to master at his Audiosiege Mastering Studio in Portland, OR. Featuring the captivating “referential” cover art by Travis Smith (Opeth, Death), The Crawl burrows into bone, flays minds, and leaves metalheads wanting more. Venture into the deepest, darkest dungeons, fellow Templars!
The Crawl will be released on March 6th via Relapse Records. Pre-orders are now available here.
Photo credit: David Dominic
