Progressive Metal - Norway
temic
noun [Nahuatl]
1 dream.
Introducing TEMIC—prog’s newest, most ambitious, and most adrenaline-fueled act. TEMIC melds the creative minds of keyboardist and sound designer Diego Tejeida (Devin Townsend, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress, ex-Haken), guitarist Eric Gillette (The Neal Morse Band, Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress), drummer Simen Sandnes (SHINING, Arkentype), and vocalist Fredrik Klemp (Maraton, 22).
The origins of TEMIC date back to 2017, when Tejeida and Gillette toured the world as band members of Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress. From the very first chords they exchanged, their musical chemistry both on and off stage was undeniable, leading them to discuss the prospect of starting a new band together. Unfortunately, conflicting tour and recording commitments forced them to turn their attention elsewhere for years—that is, until the world came to a standstill in 2020, and Tejeida called Gillette to ask a fateful question:
“Remember how we said we should make music together? Well, how about now?”
Thus, the first demos for what would later become TEMIC’s 2023 debut album, Terror Management Theory, began to emerge. Within a few weeks after that initial phone call, the musical vision of TEMIC had become clear: Let’s create progressive music that is heavily influenced by high-energy electronic music, but arranged and orchestrated for a 5-piece modern prog rock/metal band—where, at last, the pulse can be the focus, and the vocal melody can be king.
Eager to join forces with the very best bandmates, Tejeida and Gillette first summoned the rhythmic power of their friend and drummer Sandnes. With characteristic enthusiasm, Sandnes seized the opportunity, prepared to contribute his percussive prowess as the heartbeat of TEMIC. When it came time to find the singer that would carry TEMIC’s melodies to new heights, Sandnes recommended vocal powerhouse Klemp, whose emotive delivery and unmatched intensity left no doubt that he was destined to be the voice of TEMIC. Finally, to round out the rhythm section of Terror Management Theory, dynamic bassist Jacob Umansky (Intervals) was invited on board as a guest player, gracing the album with an unrivaled groove and a signature low-end sound.
Together, this mammoth lineup is TEMIC, a high-energy, electronic-inspired, modern melodic prog metal band for the next generation.
FFO: Devin Townsend, Gojira, Infected Mushroom, Leprous, Mastodon, Muse, Pain of Salvation, Periphery, Sleep Token, Tesseract
The concept behind progressive metal’s latest and greatest super group started when guitarist Eric Gillette and keyboard player Diego Tejeida were touring the world with Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress. But TEMIC didn’t unlock the full scope of their powers until they joined forces with the tender, piercing falsetto of Fredrik Klemp (Maraton) and high-flying, hard-hitting drummer Simen Sandnes.
TEMIC arrived on the scene fully formed. The Prog Report nominated their debut album for best song, video and album of 2023. Of course, the runaway success of Terror Management Theory wasn’t too terribly surprising. After all, these guys joined forces after playing with Devin Townsend, Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress.
TEMIC revolve around many moving parts: djenty riffs, acrobatic drum breakdowns, neon synth runs that pump hard enough to ignite a rave. After all, they are prog’s new supergroup.
TEMIC are already living up to their billing as prog’s new supergroup. Their debut album, Terror Management Theory, just topped the charts in the Netherlands and reached #15 on iTunes Worldwide Metal chart.
TEMIC are just one album in, but they already boast an impressive resume. Diego Tejeida has played with Devin Townsend and Haken, but the keyboardist was touring with Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress when he first teamed up with guitarist Eric Gillette, who’s also jammed alongside Neal Morse.
