Tempest - Living In Fear (Vinyl LP)
Description
Tempest was an English heavy progrock outfit of the mid-seventies, nowadays primarily known for the presence of the then soon to be fusion-icon Allan Holdsworth on the debut-album. Tempest is a trio founded by ex-Colosseum (and ex John Mayall & The Bluesbrakers) drummer Jon Hiseman. Guitarist Ollie Halsall (Mike Patto, Kevin Ayers) is nothing short of amazing in skill and his playing is simply glorious throughout, blending jazz-rock and accurate heavy rock. Halsall also plays various keyboard on the album, adding to the progressive textures of the music. Moreover, Halsall proves to be a very exciting and gifted vocalist! Mark Clark (Colosseum, Uriah Heep) is a great groovy & melodic bass-player. The songs have rock 'n roll, heavy rock, art-rock and jazz-rock influences. The band has an intense feel and well performed vocals that give the music an extra push. Within the song Tempest manages to integrated progressive elements (rhythms, chords-changes, original harmonies) without loosing that fine rockin' atmosphere. During some extended solo-sections the band freely shows how brilliant it can play, with the guitars of Halsall being especially exciting. Like most early heavy progressive rock groups Tempest must have been unable to find its audiance, being too progressive for rockers and to straightforward for symphonic prog listeners. But if you like heavy prog like May Blitz and Captain Beyond this will surely please your ears. Fans of Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy (because of the melodic bass) and Colosseum might also want to give this album a try. A forgotten gem for sure.
