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Tempest Going Home Review by Gary Hill You just can't go wrong with Tempest. They consistently deliver quality music that encompasses traditional Celtic elements, progressive rock and hard rock. This newest release came out (appropriately) on Saint Patrick's Day. I don't know that it's an improvement over other music in their catalog (they've been one quite a streak lately), but it definitely stands on equal footing. If you've ever liked this band (or just dig cool Celtic rock), this is highly recommended. Lief Sorbye and crew have delivered again. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2022 Volume 2. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2022.

Track by Track Review

Mrs. Preston's Favorite They bounce right inn with a jangly Celtic rocking jam. It builds out with style, energy and charm from there. This gets some hard rocking energy later in the number. The tune is a powerhouse opening instrumental that is trademark Tempest.

Jolly Roger Here we get a pirate song. It comes in with a slow, dirge-like pace. The track has plenty of old world sound in place. There are some heavy rock edges in the mix, too. I really love the hard rock angles on this, but everything about the tune is special. The violin (they call it "fiddle") really stands out, too.

Hjemreise 'Going Home' The lyrics to this cut are in Norwegian. There is a real mysterious and magical tone to the sound of it. Yet, it rocks well as a mid-tempo piece. There are some great twists and turns along this road, and the guitar solo is on fire.

The Optimist Bouncy and more world music based, this is a fun romp. This has some definite prog rock sections. There are even some moments that make me think of an island vibe. This instrumental is a perfect example of what makes Tempest so special.

De Två Systrarna 'The Two Sisters' With lyrics in Swedish and lead vocals by Lee Corbie-Wells, this track brings a more traditional music vibe to the table. Sorbye provides backing vocals on the tune, at times, brings more of a duet feel to it. There is more of a hard rock edge on the later parts of the piece. That said, the Celtic concepts take more control further down the road from there.

Shepherd's Daughter The tune is a bouncy Cetlic number that's a lot of fun.

Dark Lover 'Song to A Vampire' As a horror fan (and writer) who loves tales of supernatural blood suckers, they had me at "vampire." I love the mix of hard rock and Celtic angles on this song. The tune is a real powerhouse. It's fitting of the vampire legacy. The tune is definitely one of my favorites here.

The Devil and The Farmer Another hard rocking tune, there is an almost metal edge to this thing. The vocals by Corbie-Wells are of the rocking variety. She really puts everything into it. In fact, I'd say the vocal performance on this is one the real selling points. This is a highlight of the set.

Dream Morris The Celtic and prog elements are merged really well on this up-tempo instrumental. I really love the interplay between the instruments. It gets so intense and complex. Yet, it's still accessible and rocking.

Pål Sine Høner 'Paul's Chickens' This tune is a Norwegian children's song. They give it the Tempest treatment, turning it quite a tasty Celtic rocker. There is a cool journey into jazzy prog that makes me think of early Yes in some ways.

You'll find concert pics of this artist in the Music Street Journal members area.

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