“It is captivating, enchanting, with variety and richness in nuance.” – Sweden Rock
„We‘re dealing with a MASTERPIECE here.“ – Metalized DK
“The Italians are a solid institution when it comes to wrapping razor-sharp riffs in a melodic guise.” – Rock It!
“A daring record, very well orchestrated and carefully arranged.” – Metallian
Welcome to Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt 2, a spectacular fantasy story by melodic symphony maestros Temperance.
Italian maestros of modern melodic/symphonic metal Temperance unleash their brand new, conceptual seventh album, Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2, out on October 20, 2023 via Napalm Records! Expanding the characteristic sound of the band with a new member, professional opera/metal singer and vocal coach Kristin Starkey, the essence of charismatic singer Michele Guaitoli (Visions of Atlantis) and mastermind singer/guitarist Marco Pastorino (Serenity) reaches a higher level. Guest musicians like Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade), Laura Fella (Faun) and Alessandro Conti (Twilight Force) complement the exciting journey.
Following the release of their last album, Diamanti, in 2021, and this year’s successful European tour with Tarja (ex-Nightwish), it is time for Temperance to open a new chapter! The quintet, which also counts on bassist and founding member Luca Negro, continues to evolve their sound with their new drummer Marco Sacchetto, who joined the band for their early 2023 tour dates, along with New York-based singer Kristin Starkey, who adds a dark and powerful timbre to the band.
Catapulted into another era by finding the Japanese doll, Daruma, protagonist Viktor wakes up in a magical village called Hermitage, exploring its secrets track by track. Getting into a fight between the siblings Anningan and Irin, only Viktor’s destiny is the key to their conflict. Galloping guitar passages open “Daruma” together with the album narrator and multitalent Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) while the dark timbre of singer Kristin Starkey introduces the villain Anningan. Followed by “Welcome To Hermitage”, Temperance presents the magical world of Hermitage with fairytale-like flutes, twinkling chime elements, and the vocal arrangements of singers Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade) and Laura Fella (Faun). “No Return” glances with the band’s characteristic sing-along refrain and operatic fragments while the track “Join Me” ranges from marvelous vocal harmonies to grand compositions. The spellbinding “Darkness is just a Drawing” and uplifting “Full Of Memories” gather the atmosphere of Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2 once again, before “Cliff” closes the album with rising melodies, epic orchestration arrangements, and inimitable vocal spotlights. The concept album was produced by Temperance guitarist and singer Marco Pastorino and mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni (Luca Turilli, Michael Romeo, Twilight Force) at Domination Studio in San Marino. Come explore Viktor’s legacy!
Tracklisting: 1. Daruma 2. Glorious 3. A Hero Reborn 4. Welcome to Hermitage 5. No Return 6. In Search of Gold 7. Join Me 8. Trust no one but You 9. Darkness is just a Drawing 10. Into the Void 11. Brand new Start 12. Where we Belong 13. Full of Memories 14. Cliff
Temperance are: Kristin Starkey – Vocals / Michele Guaitoli – Vocals / Marco Pastorino – Guitars & Vocals / Luca Negro – Bass Guitar / Marco Sacchetto – Drums
