More often than not, whenever I want to lose myself in an album I typically go to any of three styles: psychedelic rock (usually instrumental), ambient, or psych doom. It was last night that the third provided me with an experience that I’ll happily soak myself in many times in the future, but I simply wasn’t expecting that tonight! Black and death metal rarely make for a listen that’s as immersive as it is powerful, yet it’s through immense musicianship that Temple Koludra has somehow accomplished that with this powerful album.

The realm of India is more known for its spiritual side rather than that of its metal underground for people like me that continuously find gold sifting through that scene. Yet, Temple Koludra hail from Germany and, instead, take their obsession with Indian spirituality to grand new heights that are somehow as punishing as they are meditative. Rudra is really the only name that comes to mind for me who can do something like that effectively, but it’s with a different approach that “Seven! Sirens! To A Lost Archetype” stands toe to toe with any creation from the legendary act, and I mean that all the way! I, initially, felt intrigued by this record more than pleased with, but it’s only after approaching it several times to allow all the deep caverns of sound to reach deep into your spirit before Temple Koludra come to immediately reap your essence from your body with a ferocious display of metal that is potent to the maximum. There are very few powerful beasts like “Seven! Sirens! To A Lost Archetype” that touch a pretty damn good topic with surprising quality and an attitude the likes of which simply can’t be ignored as Temple Koludra does no less than fucking dominates for all seven tracks that are thrown our way. And even when you draw to a close with “Seven! Sirens! To A Lost Archetype” it is a trial itself to not listen to this creation yet again it’s with each listen there’s always more discover, more to enjoy, and more to savor as Temple Koludra has created a beast that is unique in so many ways and the sort of thing that should not be ignored for anything.

As I said, I wasn’t too sure how I felt with this record at first, and I’m so glad I gave it the time to really grow on me as even though it’s not one of my favorites of the year (yet), there’s no question to me that Temple Koludra has definitely made one of the year’s best. With power unfurled, demons flowing forth, a ferocity to sear flesh, and an infectious nature, “Seven! Sirens! To A Lost Archetype” is a mammoth all on its own in just about every single way.

“Seven! Sirens! To A Lost Archetype” releases on June 14th via Transcending Obscurity Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Seven! Sirens! To A Lost Archetype” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Temple Koludra on Facebook here.