Interviews About Albums: Temptation Wings - StormForged (2025)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Metal band Temptation Wings to ask questions about their album, "StormForged".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

Well, it's our first newly recorded material in about 4 years, which really seemed to fly by. Our last record, ‘Marauders of the Killing Moon,’ was released in the COVID era, so it kinda got buried in the hysteria. And one of our band members had to scale back his involvement with us, so we're carrying on as a 3-piece. So this is like a new era, but still has the core elements of the band's past. We really wanted this EP to be a more raw and natural-sounding recording, so we recorded live to no click, with minimal overdubs, vocal and guitar tracks. Really, about the live takes more than anything. Leaving minor mistakes to keep that human feel.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

This EP is about the power of water and storms. StormForged is really about how this project came together. The tropical storm Helene really messed this area up(Western North Carolina), so some of these songs just came naturally. So we forged this ep, like iron forged in a blacksmith shop, but instead in our bandroom.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

We all wrote the 3 original songs on the EP. ‘Brother of the Storm’ is a cover by the band Grand Magus, whom we absolutely admire. Also, Chad, who stepped back, contributed a few riffs and ideas we had recorded over the years.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

‘HELL-ene’ was my favorite before we recorded, but AquaTusk really took over as my favorite once recorded. It was the shortest amount of time from riff to record we've ever done before. Also, it's an amazing lead-off track, just right to the point and in your face.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

Don’t underestimate Mother Nature! We stay out of social/political commentary on our albums. The song ‘Hell-ene’ is really the only song we've ever written that had to do with a real-life experience. It was a wild time to say the least. And some of the lyrics are pretty dark, which lends itself to metal music perfectly.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

“Iron insects fill the sky” refers to all the search and rescue helicopters that flooded in during the storm. “I am the force, I am the doom, I am the End" is also a really cool line. Both of those were from ‘HELL-ene. “Bend the knee and hail the slayer of the gods” is really cool, too, from AquaTusk. Micah went for a Bruce Dickinson cadence singing that line, and I think it's awesome. Also, just the death metal tinge while singing AquaTusk in the chorus really makes it heavy. Then, of course, the whole vocal track from “Brother of the Storm” is outstanding, lyrics and vocal performance by JB Christofferson.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, or someone you'd love to thank especially?

Really, just all the influences we've all had since getting into music. I don't think that will ever change. There are always new ideas from the old guard to be inspired by, and of course, newer bands we like always have cool new ideas to shape song ideas.

8. Something to add?

We just want to thank everyone involved in this project. Amos for the recording and Elanti for the artwork. Everyone who worked with us had a shared experience in the storm. And of course, Josh Schnieder from Grasping Air Promotions, who absolutely has championed our band and so many others in the underground. And of course, anyone who supports us by buying a copy or coming to the shows and reacting to the songs live. Always much appreciated. And of course, you for giving us an opportunity to talk about the EP. Thanks for the support!