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Like a mighty battle trireme, TEMPLE OF DREAD are leaving their port on the East Frisian island of Spiekeroog to deliver brutal death metal with the new massive ram bow "Dreadspawn Dominion" to all that dare to try and block their course.
Musically, TEMPLE OF DREAD remain true to their old school death metal roots but continue to expand their sonic range by further honing their cinematic aspects with even more dark and heavy elements that began to receive special attention on the previous albums "Beyond Acheron" (2023) and "God of the Godless" (2024). These veterans are making full use of their vast experience and audible confidence in their deadly craft to add true emotions into their often rather technically focussed genre.
Once again, these hardy islanders make use of classical themes from the ancient world with lyrics penned by their friend and long-time collaborator, the psychologist Frank "Doc" Albers. Followers of TEMPLE OF DREAD will recognise familiar threads, particularly the continuation of the clash between Charon, the ferryman of the souls across the River Styx and the personalised deity of the underworld, Hades.
The stunning cover artwork of "Dreadspawn Dominion" was again created by celebrated Italian artist Paolo Girardi and the resoundingly sharp-edged production also returned into the most capable hands of TEMPLE OF DREAD drummer Jörg Uken, whose renowned Soundlodge Tonstudio has also been frequented by such acts as DEW-SCENTED, GOD DETHRONED, OBSCENITY, and SUICIDAL ANGELS.
The most obvious change that has affected TEMPLE OF DREAD between the recording of "God of the Godless" and "Dreadspawn Dominion" is the addition of second guitarist Daniel Maurer and bass player Andi Bauer, who enhance the Frisian band with even more punch – both live and in studio.
TEMPLE OF DREAD were founded on the island of Spiekeroog in 2017 by Markus Bünnemeyer with the intent to play old school death metal. The guitarist was soon joined by vocalist Jens Finger, who also plays guitar in SLAUGHTERDAY, and drummer Jörg Uken. Both musicians have remained in the line-up ever since.
Already the first TEMPLE OF DREAD full-length, "Blood Craving Mantras" (2019), hit the scene hard. Their excellent reputation grew with the next albums "World Sacrifice" (2020) and "Hades Unleashed" (2021) that followed in rapid succession.
With "Dreadspawn Dominion", TEMPLE OF DREAD do not just deliver about everything that their old school death metal following might desire but also invite listeners from other realms on the darker and harder side of metal to lend an ear. Listen and behold: an ancient darkness is rising to claim your souls!
Band: Temple of Dread
Album title: Dreadspawn Dominion
Release date: August 7, 2026
Label: Testimony Records
Distribution: SPKR
Style: Death Metal
Review impact date: July 6, 2026
Line-up
Jens Finger – vocals
Markus Bünnemeyer – guitars
Jörg Uken – drums, keys
Daniel Maurer – guitars
Andi Bauer – bass
Production, recording, mix & mastering
Jörg Uken, Soundloge Studios, Rhauderfehn, Germany
Artwork by Paolo Girardi
Layout by Hiko Kalojanov-Kramer
Links
www.facebook.com/TempleofDread
www.instagram.com/templeofdreadofficial
Shop
https://spkr.store/collections/temple-of-dread
Available formats
"Dreadspawn Dominion" is available as limited edition splatter red & black vinyl LP (250 copies), black vinyl LP, and Jewelcase CD.
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