(written by Islander)
We are very happy to welcome the doom metal band Temple Witch to our pages for the first time (and we think you’ll be happy about it too). They’re a trio based in Kent, Ohio and have released two albums so far, 2021’s Hand in Hand with Chaos and 2024’s Ocean Thousand, Mountain Thousand.
They also have a third album on the way now, one named Veiling the Void, and we’re helping introduce it by premiering a great video for a viscerally compelling song off the album named “Maker’s Breath“.
Photo by Hannah Wheeler/Canis Panthera Photography
Temple Witch describe the song this way:
“Maker’s Breath” is a punchy, high-energy piece, unique among the Temple Witch catalogue for its pace, presence, and shorter runtime. The lyrics reflect on life’s trials and obfuscations, but express a will to grow, to move on, to become stronger. They echo what it is to be conscious and human. Like with all Temple Witch material, it is a catharsis piece.
We have some further comments from the band to share with you, but first we want to get straight to the song and the video, beginning with this lyrical excerpt:
Though all before me is shadow, yet shall the Maker be my guide…
You feel your face warm, yet still no lighted path. You see the sky still veiling the void…
What else is there to think of other than all of the things that leave you in madness?”
The song is indeed punchy. A heavy, throbbing bass riff provides the track’s foundation and through-line. It gets its hooks into a listener’s head and body fast and stays stuck there as the song evolves. It’s backed by a sandpaper-toned guitar that sizzles and squirms, and it’s fortified by neck-snapping, leg-bouncing drum grooves.
It’s a song of tonal contrasts, both low and high, both gritty and ringing, and highest of all are guitarist Andy Russell’s vocals. His singing is striking (a well-earned exception to the oft-ignored command in our site’s title). His high wail is ardent and impassioned, soaring but also haunting. It makes for a stirring contrast with (and complement to) that big clanging bass and punchy kick-drum. Near the end the lead guitar takes over the melody, and it too seems to wail (as well as squall), to express a kind of fierce yearning (as we hear it).
As you’ll see, the accompanying video is very well made, and as mysterious and engrossing as the song, a very interesting interpretation of the lyrical themes. And the close-ups and angles for the band’s performance match the artistry of everything else that’s unfolding.
TEMPLE WITCH is:
Guitar/Vocals: Andy Russell
Bass: Brian Bennett
Drums: Jacob Wherley
And now we want to share some further statements from Temple Witch about their new album (and this video):
With the release of “Maker’s Breath”, we unveil our upcoming third studio album, Veiling the Void. We worked with top-tier talent to put together this new record and music video. In October 2025, the band spent three days at the Vault in Pittsburgh recording several new tracks with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Hillis (Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog).
Our music video was filmed on May 30th, 2026, with the professional film crew Late Morning Films….
Those of us in Temple Witch have a simple goal, which is reflected in our music: authenticity and connection. Music is a timeless, universal language. We believe music is one of our greatest tools of expression.
We’re enthusiastic about what we do and even more enthused to see people join us to be a part of this moment.
“Maker’s Breath” is scheduled to launch on 23 streaming sites today. For more info about the new album and the band, visit the locations linked below.
https://templewitch.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/templewitchband/
https://www.facebook.com/doomhounds/