Tempting Tragedy

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6 Powerglove Saturday Morning Apocalypse E1
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- Earshot

New Brunswick's Tempting Tragedy has been a part of the Maritime music scene since its inception in 2004. The five-piece metal band's newest release Descent Into Madness shows the band displaying its riff-based gothic sound. The album starts with a bang and doesn't let up for any of the 11 tracks.

The band has a sound that should appeal to many a metal fan as you can hear an abundance of influences throughout but delivered in its own way. The band does a good job of using synthesized sounds to its music but blending it in so it just adds to the overall effect.

The five accomplished musicians who make up the band create a tight sound that can only be achieved through hard work and a lot of playing which has resulted in a great album.

Highlights include: Calamities, Ignite and All Inside.

- Times & Transcript (Moncton Newspaper)

http://www.radio-canada.ca/audio-video/pop.shtml#urlMedia%3D/Medianet/2009/CBAF/00054a89_20090623_112250.asx&promo%3DZAPmedia_Telejournal&duree%3Dcourt - CBC Radio Canada

Descent Into Madness shows metal band's hard rock leanings
BY KEN KELLEY
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

Metal band Tempting Tragedy will perform tonight at The Manhattan. Formed about six years ago, the members of Tempting Tragedy were co-workers before they were band mates, uncovering a mutual love of music that helped develop them into the band they have become.

"We initially had formed a band to jam," keyboardist Denis Guitard says. "Marty had brought in a demo tape of his music for me to hear and soon after, I had suggested that I could play keyboards for him if he was looking to get a band together. Before long, we had a couple of other guys lined up and things went from there."

While their 2007 debut CD leaned more towards the dark, brooding influences of Type O Negative, Tempting Tragedy guitarist-vocalist Marty Surette says the songs on their new record are closer in spirit to the modern rock genre.

Along with their band mates Fernand Brideau, Steven Basque and Ray Leger, Surette and Guitard say the group's newest songs began to take shape after the release of their first record.

As the saying goes in the music business though, you have your whole life to write your debut record and then two years to write the follow-up. Both Surette and Guitard agree that the process of writing new material has only gotten easier with the passage of time:

"Songs weren't exactly pouring out of us after the first record was done but it seems like once we got over the initial hump of getting new material started, the songs came fairly easily. The more we wrote, the more comfortable we were with writing," Surette says.

"We didn't necessarily feel any pressure to follow up the debut in terms of time," Guitard continues.

"Writing a record is going to take the time it takes. So many bands are intent on getting radio airplay that their records have two singles and the rest of the record is filler. We treasure quality over quantity and wanted to steer clear of putting filler on our record, no matter how long it took the songs to come to us."

With each of Tempting Tragedy's members holding down full-time jobs and some having families, the group isn't necessarily able to pick up and leave on a full-scale tour at the drop of a hat. That doesn't mean however that the group is resigned to not giving their upcoming record its due promotion.

"I think it is more realistic for us to plan mini-tours through the Maritimes and letting the music lead the way," Guitard says. "If the demand is there, we will be more than happy to play based upon that."

- Times & Transcript (Moncton's Newspaper)

Genre: Melodic Metal
Label: Independent

It was sure unexpected when I got this CD in the mail. I’m glad I did.
Tempting Tragedy are a Canadian five-piece putting their own spin on a more melodic, heavy sounding metal. Think Fates Warning.
The songwriting is very tight with these guys, with a sound that shows they are a team, not five wankers trying to out wank the other. And the best part is, there is no wankery! Even in the solos, it’s all for the song, which adds to the win for me.
Give these guys a check at their website, which after a couple moments glance looks pretty damn good. There’s even a media player there so you can hear the tunes.
After a longer look, it turns out they’ve got a member who’s favorite band IS Fates Warning!
Anyway, the album is great. I’m definitely loving “Insomnia” and “Psychological Warfare”.

- Funeral Rain

The eagle-eyed readers among you may have noticed a review I posted to the site not too long ago – A review of “Descent Into Madness” by a band called Tempting Tragedy. Well, I ended up liking the album so much that I had just had to interview vocalist/guitarist Marty Surette.

Lou: Hi and thanks for agreeing to answer my questions! How’s it going today?

Marty: It’s going great, very busy supporting the album right now, but great. Maybe a bit better tonight since I’m having a few beer(or a pint as you call it in the UK?) and heading out to see some local bands who are taking the stage tonight.

Lou: For the benefit of any readers who may not have heard you yet, how would you describe the music you play?

Marty: I’d have to say it’s melodic metal/hard rock with a gothic overtone. We try to keep the riffs interesting and spend a lot of time working on the various hooks within each song. The overall vibe is usually a bit dark, hence the term “gothic metal/rock”. Although I hesitate to say that we are typical of what you’ll find within this genre, it’s probably the closest label I can think of for someone who has never heard us. The bands Sentenced and Type O Negative are often associated with gothic metal and I think we have some common ground, so there you go!

Lou: When did the band get together? Who is currently in the band?

Marty: The band first formed in 2004. The current members are:

Marty Surette (Vocals & Rhythm Guitar)
Fernand Brideau (Lead Guitar)
Steven Basque (Drums)
Ray Leger (Bass)
Denis Guitard (Keyboards)

Lou: Where does the name Tempting Tragedy come from?

Marty: Those two words combined just popped into my head one day while searching for a band name. I think it stems from my tendency to find myself in situations that could go horribly wrong… Haha.

Lou: Is your debut album, “Carpe Noctem”, still available? If so, where can we buy it from?

Marty: Yes, it’s available on iTunes and at the following link: cdbaby.com/cd/temptingtragedy

Lou: Which bands have been your biggest influences?

Marty: The band as a whole have varied (near polar in some cases) influences, that helps shape our overall sound. Personally, I’d have to say Iron Maiden if only for the guitar harmonies, Type O Negative for the dark atmospheric vibe and Tool because I’ve listened to them so much it’s probably oozing out of my pores!

Lou: What was the first and last album you bought?

Marty: I can’t believe you’re going to make me admit this publicly…hahaha.. but it would be Def Leppard Hysteria when I was 9 years old. What 9 year old did not think Def Leppard was epic awesome back in the day anyway? The last album I bought was by a local punk band called Hope.



Lou: As you can tell from my review, I was rather impressed with “Descent into Madness”! What other feedback have you received for this album so far?

Marty: Well your review was the first one that got published, and with the time and effort that was involved writing this album, we were very happy to see that we seem to be off to a good start! And literally as I was answering this very question, we’ve got our 2nd review, which is also very positive. The feedback we’ve received from everyone so far has probably exceeded our expectations, it really makes all of the long hours spent writing, practicing and recording these songs worthwhile when you know it at least connects with someone else out there.

Lou: Are you pleased with how the album turned out? What is your favourite track from it?

Marty: Yes, the whole band is pleased with the album. It almost sounds like we were hearing it in our heads before it was recorded. There wasn’t a lot of studio trickery or anything, it just ended up sounding like the production did the songs justice. Of course there are always little things you think about after that you might have wanted to change, but with our limited amount of time and money, we’re very happy with the results.

It’s hard to pick a favorite song, I can’t say there’s one that REALLY stands out for me. I have a few favorite parts for sure, but they’re all in different songs. I’ll go with Deep Divide, but that answer might change depending on the day.

Lou: “Shadows and Ceilings” is a phenomenal track. Is there a story behind it at all? I especially like this lyric: “A lunatic’s vision answers to the demons calling”.

Marty: Thank you. I’m not always open to sharing the meaning behind lyrics, however this being our first interview since the album was released, I owe you as much! This song was actually written about what I can only describe as a panic attack from several years ago. For the record (and future employers), I’m not prone to these happening and it’s never happened again since! As many people do, I was experiencing a lot of anxiety and felt like I had reached my breaking point, the ceiling felt like it was going to come down on me and it looked like there were shadows crawling on the walls. It only la - Lou Yardley - Louciferspeaks

"RadioIndy is pleased to present Tempting Tragedy with a GrIndie award for their CD "Carpe Noctem"!

Carpe Noctem" by the cleverly dubbed powerhouse Tempting Tragedy is an electrifying and intense hard rock album! Guitar hooks, guitar hooks and more guitar hooks! – Every song on "Carpe Noctem" is impossible to forget because of their creative guitar leads and riffs! Demanding vocals also draw listeners in. "Mr. Hyde" shows of Tempting Tradgedy's trademark use of synthesized sounds and low, hypnotic vocals. The up-tempo "Good Day to Die" flaunts incredible drum skill and demonstrates the overall tight sound of the band. Lyrically, this CD tackles real and sometimes dark issues in a soul-searching and thought-provoking light. Solid production puts the cap on this dynamic collection. Fans of Drowning Pool and Korn will find a satisfying alternative in this captivating new hard-rock collection!
-Xavier P. (for RadioIndy) - RadioIndy

4.5/5.0

Rising from Canada Maritimes is Tempting Tragedy with their sophomore effort Descent Into Madness. Tempting Tragedy says they are bucking Canadian metal trends with clean vocal aesthetic and a traditional melodic metal and hard rock foundation, and I would agree. Melodic metal with a touch of gothic overtones, they would say. The latter description may be quizzical to those who equate gothic rock/metal with the symphonic and a female lead vocalist. Some of the symphonic is here, thanks to the keyboards, but not the latter. However, if a deeper, heavier, and dark tone qualifies then, yeah, I guess so. Imagine, maybe Iron Maiden or Fates Warning merging with earl Lacuna Coil, but without the female vocals, and you may have a rudimentary forecast (but you will have to listen for yourself).

Fundamentally, however, Tempting Tragedy is solid melodic heavy metal driven along by a groove-laden rock accessibility, clean passionate vocals, and some fine fiery guitar work from Fernand Brideau. All these elements are supported by well crafted arrangements which easily and effectively draw you in, and keep you listening. I listened to Descent Into Madness while perusing books at a Barnes and Noble and was consistently entertained by every song over the entire work. I don't think there's a single dull or, worse, filler song on Descent Into Madness. Yet, I'll highlight several: All Inside, Calamities, Deep Divide, and Symmetry are prime cuts.

Some may quibble with Marty Surette's predictable vocal style which inhabits every song. However, I would say it adds to Tempting Tragedy's consistent signature sound. Also, I'm ambivalent over the production. At times it feels immensely heavy-handed rather than crisp and to the point, sometimes driving out some components like the keyboards. Then, conversely, it seems to fit TT's overall style.

Regardless of these pseudo-negative observations, Tempting Tragedy's Descent Into Madness is fine work of melodic heavy metal, quickly captivating and quite entertaining. Strongly recommended.


- www.dangerdog.com

Hailing from Canada, today we have Tempting Tragedy, a hard rocking Gothic Metal/Rock band that gives any big name band a run for their money in when it comes to creating catchy tunes of darkness. Having received mostly Black Metal and ‘whatever’-core bands from Canada is refreshing get Tempting Tragedy’s hard-hitting second full-length album “Descent into Madness”.

Opening “Descent into Madness” with the song “Calamities”, we are quickly treated to solid guitar riffing, pounding bass guitar line and vocals very similar to Ville Valo’s hypnotic style. Before you assume that Tempting Tragedy is another H.I.M wannabe clone band, let us tell us you are wrong since while “Calamities” might sound a lot like them, it’s the only song of this album with this nature.

Tempting Tragedy excels in playing Gothic Metal/Rock, and like you would expect it sounds a lot like any good band of the genre. What set’s the band apart in our opinion is that all 11 tracks of “Descent into Madness” are different enough to keep the listener engaged (unlike many Gothic Metal/Rock bands), but they all have a very cohesive feeling allowing the band to develop their sound, and rock at it.

Musically, the band is very solid at crafting simple songs that have very powerful guitar sections (sometimes even heavier than most bands in the genre) and very catchy drum patterns. The bass guitar is always pounding and very nicely mixed with the rest of the elements. The band also has a keyboard player that only provides input on selected instances and allows the whole sound of the band to rely on the vocals/guitars rather than drowning the listener is fancy keyboard arrangements.

Songs like “Ignite” and “Calamities” feature some backing female vocals that complement the music nicely. The majority of the tunes presented in “Descent into Madness” have that traditional Gothic Metal/Rock feel to them that we all know and love about this genre. Other songs like “Insomnia” and “Psychological Warfare” start with crushing Heavy Metal-esque riffs making them a bit different and to have a nice change of pace. In general, all songs in this album are pretty solid and each one has a unique feeling to it, making the whole album flow very easily.

As you can expect, “Descent into Madness” is full of catchy riffs, great vocal harmonies, and very solid songwriting in general. The production is also very professional for a self released album. We can only expect better things for this band in the future, and hopefully they continue to make solid releases. This release is very recommendable for any fan of bands like H.I.M, To/Die/For, Charon, etc.
- Infernal Masquerade

When you visit Tempting Tragedy’s website, you are promised hooks, hooks and more hooks… and one listen to the band’s new album “Descent into Madness” shows that Tempting Tragedy can deliver on this promise.

I won’t lie to you – I get asked to check out a LOT of bands. Some of them end up on this site and others (for one reason or another) get left to one side. More often than not, the phrase “Gothic Metal” fills me with dread. Many bands try to make it in this genre, but all too many fail miserably. Tempting Tragedy have no such worries. They never lean too much towards the metal side or the gothic side, thus creating the perfect balance. The ‘happy medium’ if you will. Their brand of Gothic Metal is also teamed up with a fantastic Hard Rock sound, making the overall listening experience an excitingly dark, yet extremely memorable adventure.

The band appear to have put a lot of thought into the composition of their songs. The (frankly brilliant) guitar solos come in at just the right point and are always able to add something to the tracks, rather than give the listener the feeling that they were just put there in order to fulfil a guitar solo quota. The vocals are clean and crisp and are at just the right level in the mix – just loud enough for the listener to appreciate them fully without overshadowing everything else.

To say that I’m incredibly impressed with this album is an understatement. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I do. It just goes to show – it’s ALWAYS worth checking out new music… no matter how jaded you get! All of the tracks here have their own personality and feel strong enough to stand on their own should the band wish to release a couple of them as singles. None of the tracks feel like they were just put on the album to take up space.

High points of the album include “Calamities” (a brilliant opener that draws you in from the beginning), “Insomnia”, “Psychological Warfare” (my personal favourite), “The Hunger” (love the riff in this one!), “All Inside” and “Bloody Mary”. Oh, and “Shadows and Ceilings” is awesome!

Overall, this is a terrific album – certainly one that’s worth spending your hard-earned cash on. I’m trying to think of a bad point about it, but it’s proving to be very difficult.

Rating: 96%

- Lou Yardley - LouciferSpeaks