Release date: June 17, 2017
Running Time: 31:22, 9 tracks
The band formerly known as Alternative Ulster released their debut album “Rebellion” in 2016. When their piper Sean Mag Shamhrain left Alternative Ulster, the band decided to change their name to The Templars of Doom. The current incarnation of the band is Rory Quinn (electric guitar & vocals), Michael X. Rose (vocals & bass), Eric Pomarico (drums & vocals), Josie Rose (pipes & whistles) and Marty Shane (mandolin & vocals).
The album title comes from a cult movie. “Bring me the Head of Alfredo Garcia” is one of the most violent films by Sam Peckinpah. I wouldn’t say that The Templars of Doom “Bring me the Head of John the Baptist” is a violent work (well, maybe the album cover is a little bit violent). However, the album’s sound is quite wild and "basic".
That rough at the edges approach can be noticed on “The Oliver Cromwell Twist”, “Saint Patrick Saved Ireland”, the title track “Bring Me the Head of John the Baptist” and “Suicide Bomb”. The lyrics are not very long and sometimes the chorus are sung in a percussive way. My fave is “Bring me the Head of John the Baptist”, while “Suicide Bomb” is probably more “complex” than the other songs. The Templars of Doom’s instinctive approach differs from the usual bagpipes rock sound. However, the songs are always addictive with sing along chorus.
There are only a couple of standards on “Bring me the Head of John the Baptist”. The rebel song “A Nation Once Again” kicks off softer than the band’s self-penned songs. But once the chorus is reached and the pipes are added, the song gets The Templars of Doom’s treatment. On the other hand, “The Minstrel Boy” is wild and loud from its very beginning.
The closing number “Michael Collins’ Ghost” was co-written by Mike O’Leary, who also sings lead vocals. This cut has an epic hard rock touch.
Scott Benson guests on two tracks. I have left them to the end, but IMHO they are the album’s highlights: “Eyes” and “The Templars Erupt”. "Eyes" starts off with mandolin, like a Planxty song. The uilleann pipes are used perfectly and their sound provides a great folk atmosphere. Yes, the mandolin, the uilleann pipes, the tin whistle and the guitar send the listener directly to Ireland. If Dave King ever hear this song, I guess that he’ll be wondering if he wrote that himself. Brilliant song and the best number on the album. “The Templars Erupt” is another amazing track. There are some vocals, but I'd say that it’s an instrumental tune. This time, Scott plays tin whistle and bodhrán. If you like The Pogues “Wildcats of Kilkenny”, you’ll love “The Templars Erupt” too.
The CD has been released by Poe Records, the label under which Michael X Rose has also issued his side project’s albums (The Wild Irish Roses, a true family band: mom, dad and 8 kids!!! ). It’s packed on a jewel case and, on the 4 page booklet, The Templars of Doom thank all the Celtic punk e-zines/podcasts/radios for their support. The artwork, as usual, was made by Michael. The songs were engineered by Rory and Michael and mixed by Rory. JZ Barrell mastered the tracks.
Every band has its ups and downs. Fortunately, The Templars of Doom/Alternative Ulster’s downs didn’t last too long. They keep on evolving and the final result is very interesting. And I’ve said evolving, not growing up. As the Ramones said, ”I don’t wanna grow up”.
The album title comes from a cult movie. “Bring me the Head of Alfredo Garcia” is one of the most violent films by Sam Peckinpah. I wouldn’t say that The Templars of Doom “Bring me the Head of John the Baptist” is a violent work (well, maybe the album cover is a little bit violent). However, the album’s sound is quite wild and "basic".
That rough at the edges approach can be noticed on “The Oliver Cromwell Twist”, “Saint Patrick Saved Ireland”, the title track “Bring Me the Head of John the Baptist” and “Suicide Bomb”. The lyrics are not very long and sometimes the chorus are sung in a percussive way. My fave is “Bring me the Head of John the Baptist”, while “Suicide Bomb” is probably more “complex” than the other songs. The Templars of Doom’s instinctive approach differs from the usual bagpipes rock sound. However, the songs are always addictive with sing along chorus.
There are only a couple of standards on “Bring me the Head of John the Baptist”. The rebel song “A Nation Once Again” kicks off softer than the band’s self-penned songs. But once the chorus is reached and the pipes are added, the song gets The Templars of Doom’s treatment. On the other hand, “The Minstrel Boy” is wild and loud from its very beginning.
The closing number “Michael Collins’ Ghost” was co-written by Mike O’Leary, who also sings lead vocals. This cut has an epic hard rock touch.
Scott Benson guests on two tracks. I have left them to the end, but IMHO they are the album’s highlights: “Eyes” and “The Templars Erupt”. "Eyes" starts off with mandolin, like a Planxty song. The uilleann pipes are used perfectly and their sound provides a great folk atmosphere. Yes, the mandolin, the uilleann pipes, the tin whistle and the guitar send the listener directly to Ireland. If Dave King ever hear this song, I guess that he’ll be wondering if he wrote that himself. Brilliant song and the best number on the album. “The Templars Erupt” is another amazing track. There are some vocals, but I'd say that it’s an instrumental tune. This time, Scott plays tin whistle and bodhrán. If you like The Pogues “Wildcats of Kilkenny”, you’ll love “The Templars Erupt” too.
The CD has been released by Poe Records, the label under which Michael X Rose has also issued his side project’s albums (The Wild Irish Roses, a true family band: mom, dad and 8 kids!!! ). It’s packed on a jewel case and, on the 4 page booklet, The Templars of Doom thank all the Celtic punk e-zines/podcasts/radios for their support. The artwork, as usual, was made by Michael. The songs were engineered by Rory and Michael and mixed by Rory. JZ Barrell mastered the tracks.
Every band has its ups and downs. Fortunately, The Templars of Doom/Alternative Ulster’s downs didn’t last too long. They keep on evolving and the final result is very interesting. And I’ve said evolving, not growing up. As the Ramones said, ”I don’t wanna grow up”.
Track listing:
1. The Oliver Cromwell Twist 02:43
2. Saint Patrick Saved Ireland 03:45
3. A Nation Once Again 03:18
4. Eyes 04:18
5. The Minstrel Boy 02:03
6. Bring Me the Head of John the Baptist 02:31
7. Templars Erupt 04:46
8. Suicide Bomb 03:30
9. Michael Collins' Ghost 04:23
Click to buy:
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Review by Kinksmarkham
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