photo credit: Andrea Falaschi
Celebrating a decade since their inception, Italian modern melodic metal outfit Temperance have unveiled their most ambitious creation to date, with their seventh full-length offering, Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt 2. A mere two years after 2021’s, Diamanti, may immediately detect a profound shift in sound. This transformation is attributed to their new vocalist, opera/metal singer, and vocal coach, Kristin Starkey, who joined earlier this year, replacing Alessia Scolletti. Yet, the evolution goes beyond just a change in vocal dynamics, delving into the realms of a daring concept centered on time travel. The album unfolds like a captivating rock opera, both in narrative and structure, marking a bold move for Temperance. Adding an extra layer of ambition, the group recruited legendary Arjen Lucassen (Areyon) to lend his voice to narrate the unfolding saga throughout the album.
Noteworthy guest appearances also include Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie), Laura Fella (Faun), and Alessandro Conti (Twilight Force). The result is arguably Temperance’s strongest record to date, standing tall as a potential contender for the best within the melodic/power/symphonic metal subgenres of 2023. In the midst of this conceptualized record, one may wonder how the visionary Marco Pastorino found the time to craft such a magnum opus, especially considering Serenity’s Nemesis AD, another 2023 release. Temperance have evolved tremendously over the years, as they have vigorously released seven records and one EP within a decade. Released in October through Napalm Records, Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt 2, Metal Insider had a chance to speak with Marco Pastorino to learn more about their latest creation.
Can you tell us about the concept behind the new album, Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2?
It’s a full story based on time travel and a fight between two brothers. But the main character is called Viktor, a guy from New York. Viktor is not completely satisfied with his life, that’s the reason he traveled the world to reach Tokyo Japan. And there at the temple of Asakusa, he found a Daruma doll; and just by touching it he traveled into another dimension, another world called Hermitage. In Hermitage, he will meet new friends and he will change his destiny.
How did the addition of new members, Kristin Starkey and Marco Sacchetto, impact the overall creative process?
Honestly nothing changed in the creative process. They actually joined the band after the songwriting sessions, while we were in the middle of the recordings. But for sure Kristin put tons of energy and effort into her vocal performances.
What songs were more challenging to write?
I think the entire album was quite a challenge. Since we have to follow a story, it was something completely new for us. Probably the connections between the tracks and putting the same melodies in different tracks were some of the most difficult things to do.
Musically, how would you compare the new album to 2021’s Diamanti?
It’s a totally different chapter for sure, we still have our typical trademarks, big melodies, strong choruses, and tons of harmonies but Hermitage is even more symphonic and epic because of the scenario behind.
Can you talk more about the songs “No Return” and “Trust no one but You?”
“No Return” is a strong melodic track, exactly in the middle of the explanation of Viktor’s past and honestly one of the most powerful performances of Kristin.
“Trust No One But You” is completely sung by Alessandro Conti, since his character is the only guy in this chapter. Alessandro Is one of the best power metal singers out there and I think he did an outstanding job.
What was your experience creating the video for “Darkness Is Just a Drawing?”
It was very cool, because the video director Andrea Falaschi, the main guy behind Deathless Legacy, did an amazing job there. We were in touch months before to plan both videos and Andrea is a very talented video director.
Do you have any plans for this year into next you can share with us?
Basically we will try to stay on the road as much as we can to promote Hermitage. Tons of things are moving on now since we are receiving great feedback for the album.
First of all we will tour with Serenity all over Europe in February and then we will announce other stuff and festivals for the next few months.
Is there anything else you want to say or add about the new album?
First of all thanks for your time, we are really happy about the first great results of Hermitage and honestly we really can’t wait to play the new tracks live.
