Swedish heavy rock and metal merchants TEMPLE OF DISCORD (with members of Wytch) have signed to Ripple Music for the release of their debut album "In The Ashes" this February 21st, and unveil their first video for "The Reaper" today.
Initially the personal creative outlet of Wytch guitarist Mattias Marklund, TEMPLE OF DISCORD quickly became a full-fledged band during the pandemic years, with a cast of seasoned players joining the adventure, which eventually led them to sign to Californian label Ripple Music. Dark and brooding, yet beaming with a multi-faceted appeal, their music explores a wide array of genres including classic heavy metal, alternative and grunge rock, dark folk as well as progressive rock. Marklund's vocals are intense and heartfelt, leading the instrumentation to uncharted emotional territories while constantly remaining on the verge of reaching fever pitch. From intense riff-driven bursts to semi-acoustic lulls, this album provides a gripping and unique experience for anyone listening.
Watch their debut video "The Reaper" at this location
"In The Ashes" is a dark exploration of the human psyche, mortality, and existential dread. The album delves into themes of death, self-destruction, and the chaos of inner demons, and explores the inevitability of mortality ("The Reaper"), the consuming nature of obsessive love ("Closer", "Black Out the Sun"), and the despair of self-inflicted pain ("Razor Me"), while also confronting guilt and the repercussions of violence ("The Fields"), and the search for identity amid self-loathing ("Someone Else"). In its final tracks, the album critiques societal deception ("All Their Lies") and reflects on personal downfall and alienation ("Rails"). As stated by frontman Mattias Marklund, "the album paints a grim, introspective portrait of loss, turmoil, and the longing for understanding in an uncaring world. But I consider myself a happy person. I promise."
TEMPLE OF DISCORD "In The Ashes"
Out Feburary 21st on Ripple Music (LP/CD/digital)
Bandcamp preorder
TRACKLIST:
1. The Reaper
2. Closer
3. Black Out The Sun
4. Razor Me
5. The Fields
6. Someone Else
7. All Their Lies
8. Rails
Temple of Discord began as Mattias Marklund's personal creative outlet in 2017. Mattias was writing songs for Aska (later known as Wytch) at the time, but some compositions felt too personal and diverged from the band's established style. Rather than setting those tracks aside, he channeled them into a solo project, which would eventually become Temple of Discord. With the help of drummer Benny Hägglund (Vintersorg, Fission), Mattias recorded the first demo track, "The Calling". While he had been playing guitar in bands since the late 1980s, this marked the first time he stepped into the vocalist role, adding another layer of intimacy and individuality to his music.
Fast forward to the pandemic years: Wytch entered a period of dormancy, and fellow guitarist Niklas Viklund revisited Mattias's Temple of Discord material. Struck by the strength and uniqueness of the songs, Niklas encouraged Mattias to transform the project into a full-fledged band. The two quickly brought in bassist Jon Ericson Warnoff, with whom Niklas had previously played in Stardog. Recognizing Jon's chemistry and talent, they knew he was the perfect fit for the group. With Benny unavailable due to scheduling conflicts, the search began for a drummer who could complete the lineup. They found their match in Peter Melender, whom Mattias's father recommended as "the best goddamn drummer in town." With the lineup solidified, Temple of Discord was ready to take the next step.
Temple of Discord entered the studio and recorded several tracks that caught the attention of Ripple Music CEO Todd Severin, who signed them for the February 2025 release of their studio debut album "In The Ashes". A new gate of heaviness has opened...
TEMPLE OF DISCORD is
Mattias Marklund - Vocals and Guitars
Jon Eriksson Warnoff - Bass
Peter Melender - Drums
Niklas Viklund - Guitars
TEMPLE OF DISCORD links
RIPPLE MUSIC links
