Behölder - In the Temple of the Tyrant
Black Lion Records is thrilled to present the debut album of the US epic doom/traditional/power metal band Behölder. Titled In the Temple of the Tyrant, the album is scheduled for April 25 on vinyl, CD, and digital.
Inspired by the legendary era of ancient times, Behölder weaves the heaviest of metal with the mystic powers of imagination, an alchemy that only classic Dungeons & Dragons can evoke. Formed by arcane forces from across the US, this epic doom/dark power metal entity honors the deities of old and takes its name from one of the most iconic and terrifying creatures in D&D lore.
Behölder was formed in late 2021 by guitarist Carlos Alvarez (Shadowdance, ex-Power Theory), a lifelong fan of both D&D and old-school doom metal. It seemed only natural for him to fulfill his long-standing vision of bringing the two worlds together musically, but opportunity was ever elusive. When inspiration and timing aligned as his former band went on hiatus, he quickly composed nine songs. However, the project truly came to life when vocalist John Yelland of US power metal band Judicator joined in late 2022. With a powerful and theatrical voice, ranging from grandiose to truly sinister, he was the perfect choice to bring life to the stories being crafted.
Guitarist Matt Hodsdon soon joined the duo, followed by drummer Andrew Julkowski, both from progressive metal band Chaos Frame. As recording commenced in November 2023, bassist Michael “Oneirous” Sanchez (King Ov Worms, ex-Judicator) joined in early 2024, completing the lineup. With the band assembled, so too was their debut album, In the Temple of the Tyrant.
At just under 50 minutes, In the Temple of the Tyrant features eight tracks of monstrous proportions — a true love letter to classic doom metal while also fusing elements of darker power and even traditional metal. Imposing riffs, majestic melodies, and epic vocals lure the listener into its shadowy depths. From the colossal, Lovecraftian-tinged opener “A Pale Blood Sky” to the haunting “Eyes of the Deep,” featuring a demonic guest appearance by Tomi Joutsen (Amorphis), to the monolithic closer “I Magus,” where neck-wrecking grooves build to a transcendent finale, In the Temple of the Tyrant stands boldly alongside the genre’s finest while carving its own legend.
With mixing and mastering by Ronnie Björnström (Björnström Ljud & Produktion, Sweden) and artwork from Zsofia Dankova (Powerwolf, Elvenking), In the Temple of the Tyrant is now ready to be unleashed upon all who seek dark tales of adventure filled with Magic, Mayhem, and Riffs Heavier Than a Storm Giant’s Ass!!!
