It’s been two years since drum icon Carmine Appice and the revived Cactus first opened the doors to Temple Of Blues — a 15-track blast of heavy blues rock that pulled in a long list of guest players under the subtitle Influences And Friends.
Now the project returns with Temple Of Blues II, bringing another all-star lineup into the mix. Familiar names from the first volume, like Ted Nugent, Billy Sheehan, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Dee Snider, and Pat Travers, connect with a new wave of guests including Steve Morse, Tracii Guns, Joe Lynn Turner, Rudy Sarzo, Alex Skolnick, and more.
The first single from Temple Of Blues II is out now, a fierce two-part take on “Back Door Man” featuring Sheehan, Eric Gales, and Artie Dillon.
Appice spoke about hearing the finished track: “When we finished “Back Door Man” and listened to the whole mix, it blew me away. Billy and Eric are amazing together on top of my drums.”
Often labeled America’s Led Zeppelin, the original Cactus grew out of Appice’s earlier work with Vanilla Fudge and Beck, Bogert & Appice, making their mark quickly after their 1970 self-titled debut. Temple Of Blues II reaches back toward those roots, even revisiting the band’s presence at the Isle Of Wight Festival. One standout moment comes with “Purple Haze,” which reconnects Cactus with Melanie — another favorite from that historic bill — as well as its headliner, Jimi Hendrix.
Appice reflected on Melanie’s unique presence: “Melanie‘s voice was so distinctive in that it could shift seamlessly from sweet to raspy. Her talent was versatile too — she was at home in front of the mic whether it be an anthem or a pop tune. That voice could sound childlike in one moment and full of wisdom and maturity the next. No wonder she and her work are still so beloved.”
The album continues with more guest-driven cuts. Pat Travers returns for “Moanin’ At Midnight.” Joe Lynn Turner teams up with Morse, Tony Franklin, Derek Sherinian, and Appice for “Bad Stuff.” Dee Snider and Tracii Guns take charge on “The Little Red Rooster.” Ted Nugent and Bob Daisley join forces for “Spoonful.”
Across the record, the goal stays the same: heavy blues rock played with grit, groove, and authority, with Carmine Appice’s drumming driving everything forward.
Temple Of Blues II will arrive on April 3 via Cleopatra Records.
