Italian group Temperance have today released their unplugged EP Melodies of Green and Blue. Containing 6 re-workings of tracks from acclaimed album Viridian, plus 2 new tracks. I really enjoyed Viridian, which was released back in 2020. Full of singalong energy, bombast and vigour only power-pop metal can generate. If you like your modern metal full of catchy hooks and melodies, then Viridian is your soulmate.
I generally have not really paid attention to remixes or re-workings of albums. If I really like a song, I don’t care about it being made worse with a remix. If I don’t like a song, I couldn’t give a toss about remixes making it less turd. However during Planet Lockdown over the past 12 months, many bands have jumped on the unplugged bandwagon. I have given more of my time to them, and honestly there are gems I would have otherwise glossed over.
In the case of Temperance, clearly the mighty punch from the volume, layering and epic composition will be missing. A huge part of what makes power metal what it is – over the top is not a term well understood in this world. But this is pop music living in the heavy metal world. So it should transcend easily right? Quite simply, yes it does. Having 3 quality singers greatly helps – a staple of the Temperance sound.
At 8 songs and over 30 minutes it’s hard to genuinely classify this as an EP. Plenty of albums are shorter than 30 minutes (Reign In Blood anyone?) But when we get more songs who cares right. The acoustic re-workings on Melodies of Green and Blue are full of groove and style. The vocals really shine and carry the tracks. Rather than just being acoustic versions, these easily stand up as tracks in their own right.
The two new tracks Evelyn and Paint The World are nice additions. Evelyn is a classic acoustic ballad designed to show off the vocalists pipe-work. Paint The World gives those harmonies a good work out. The biggest thing to take away from this release is that when you take the distortion, the multitude of effects and stadium size sound out of the mix, there is nothing to hide behind. The quality of the song writing will stand front and centre. Thankfully Temperance know how to write great catchy songs!
Personally I will still reach for Viridian first. The high energy power-pop lures me in like a helpless sailor to the Siren’s cry. But well done Temperance with Melodies of Blue and Green. From not really caring about this type of release, I’m now definately on board. Acoustic Endarkenment next anyone?
Score: 7/10
If you enjoyed this post then please share with your fellow metal and non-metalheads. Also please follow The Metal Protocol on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you!
