Search - Tempest :: Balance

Traditional ballads that rock

A. H. Wagner | Austin, TX USA | 09/02/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"An energetic marriage of folk ballads and rock, the music of Tempest deftly weaves traditional melodies with modern riffs. This is the first album of theirs I have listened to, and basing my judgment on its own merits I think it's very well-crafted (although no recording could match the band's live performances). Whether a sentimental acoustic piece or a lively number infused with edgy riffs, each track has a captivating rhythm that makes for really pleasurable listening. And the medleys have seamless transitions that in themselves exhibit the professional level of Tempest's craft. Though I personally like the instrumental sections best, frontman Lief Sorbye's vocals offer an irresistible storytelling flavor to the songs. Like "The Journeyman," his earnest intonations invite the listener to follow wherever Tempest roams."

A different sound

Bill | VA Beach, VA | 08/22/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is different than previous albums by Tempest. Yes there are a couple of songs with a heavy metal sound BUT they are great songs. Listen to Dance of the Sand Witches and the Battlea Mountain Breakdown. Todd Ewveans has done a greqat job on guitar. The fiddler is not as good as Michael was and is no lo0nger with the band and haas been replaced by Susan who, while not a Michael Mullen yet has great promise in replacing him. (Just saw the band tonight as a matter of fact). This band can play rock with the best of them. The mixing on this album was poor and I remixed it a bit on my own computer and it drastically improved some of the songs."