CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE: The Devil Knows My Name
Cleansing of the Temple
The Devil Knows My Name
(Rottweiler Records)
South Carolina’s Cleansing of the Temple have been recording since at least as early as 2020. The band fuses traditional metalcore with the occasional nod to deathcore and even some slowed-down sludgy tempos from time to time. “The Devil Knows My Name” was released this summer and features production work from Glenn Gizzi (best known for his work with Phinehas).
Although a new band, Cleansing of the Temple show real promise on their debut. Musicianship and technical prowess are noticeable, as well as passionate fervor. Lyrics are strong, and boldly evangelistic. In fact, the band throw punches in a number of directions, unabashedly. At those who hate God in “God of Hate”:
“How much do you hate that the God that you hate
Was breathing life and giving breath when he formed your face?”
Or at the enemy on the title track:
Death to the fallen angel
Let it be known, my allegiance lies with heaven
Let it echo, for every six I am the seven
Long live The King of Kings
But believers, don’t think you’re off the hook. The band targets legalism in the church
on “Sardis”:
Judging others for booze and blow
Religion and money is all you know
Wear your suit and tie until you die
Your life and image was one big lie
Casting your stones, that are aimed to kill
The broken stay broken, they never heal
The god you serve has become so clear
If you wanna see him, take a look in the mirror
Dead Dead Dead Church
“The Devil Knows My Name” is a promising start. There are moments when I get the
impression that they are still finding their musical identity. What I mean is, there is
absolutely nothing wrong with this album at all, but it took several listens for the album to
‘grab me’ so to speak. They’re at their most exciting when they’re not afraid to
experiment—with tempos, guitar tones, vocal styles, and so forth. And that is the most
promising aspect of their sound. The world does not need another cookie-cutter metalcore/deathcore band. And Cleansing of the Temple are headed in a good direction to avoid getting lost in that scene.
3.5 out of 5.
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