Metal boasts countless fascinating subgenres, but it’s not every day that we welcome a new traditional power metal band into the fold. Behölder is a U.S. metal quintet from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 2021 by guitarist Carlos Alvarez (Shadowdance). The band draws deeply from the rich legacy of heavy metal, channeling the enigmatic fantasy realms of fire-breathing dragons and medieval strongholds.
Although Alvarez had already composed several songs, the Behölder project truly took shape when vocalist John Yelland of U.S. power metal band Judicator joined in late 2022. The lineup was completed by guitarist Matt Hodsdon and drummer Andrew Julkowski (both from the progressive metal band Chaos Frame), along with bassist Michael “Oneirous” Sanchez (King Ov Worms, ex-Judicator).
Behölder demonstrates passion and dedication with a debut album packed with eight strong, catchy tracks. In the Temple of the Tyrant is a thought-provoking record that radiates a distinctly old-school atmosphere. Yelland’s mockingly grand and commanding clean vocals enhance the album’s mysterious and shadowy lyrics. At times, his voice evokes memories of Parramore McCarty’s performance on Warrior’s legendary early-’80s debut, Fighting for the Earth.
Musically, the band delivers a compelling take on dark power metal with touches of doom. Expect varied, driving guitar patterns, melodic solos, and a tight, disciplined rhythm section. A notable highlight is a guest appearance by Amorphis vocalist Tomi Joutsen on the track ‘Eyes of the Deep’.
The more we listened to In the Temple of the Tyrant, the more it grew on us—and the more it made us smile. Behölder brought back that true old-school metal feeling, delivering an album that’s highly recommended for metal fans around the world.
