TEMPERANCE – “Daruma” [Song Review]

A bewitching and operatic duet, TEMPERANCE’s “Daruma” is a masterclass in symphonic power metal.

While I’ve enjoyed TEMPERANCE since The Last Hope in a World of Hopes, I’ve got to say that “Daruma” blew my expectations out the water, sent them on an epic wizard quest fit for the latest dark fantasy novel, the whole shebang. TEMPERANCE does some really interesting things with the harmonies and duets but what I can say they really excel at here is building anticipation and layering musical elements. The song hits hard immediately with the chant of “daruma” and rhyming adjectives. This creates an intense sense of mystery immediately, which crescendos with swelling drums and steady guitar into the first vocal solo. Instruments are subdued and atmospheric, punctuating an excellent string of clear vocals.

However, while the duets are excellently harmonized and backed powerfully with this rolling drum beat, the clarity of what the singers are actually saying is lost beneath the wall of sound. Personally, I listen to symphonic metal for the atmosphere first and lyrics second; as long as I can pick up enough to follow, I’m good. I can always look up the exact lyrics later, but noticing that somewhat ruined my enjoyment here, especially since Guaitoli can do clearer lyrics.

Nevertheless, the clap during Guaitoli’s first solo was also very well done, again building this sense of mystery: what’s a daruma, what’s it do, where do I get one and buy this album? I looked ’em up on Wikipedia immediately afterward, and that’s not just to write this review. It’s done very well here, subtle, and I’m thankful that the audience caught on immediately. This melodic atmosphere carries throughout the song, but it’s most present and engaging here. Starkey’s contralto enters as soon as anticipation peaks and the sense of mystery is at its thickest. The strum of the guitar gets like half a note before, and then she comes swinging in with the chorus and joins Guaitoli for the triumphant chorus.

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WHhPa7TmqQASabtpYsa5J?si=wFSAtkiXR6ywzLrqZLtuDQ

The spoken word segment toward the song’s conclusion hits similarly hard, again creating this sense of melodious silence before the chorus resumes with operatic force. Seeing the “daruma” chant expanded upon and intensified for the song’s climax is also fun and wraps the experience up very neatly. I’d almost figure it a classic of symphonic metal to do this kind of conclusion, but I’m not complaining. It’s good for a reason. And lastly, do I know what a daruma actually is from the song alone? Absolutely not. Do I want to listen to the rest of the album? Yes, mission accomplished.

Overall, TEMPERANCE have outdone themselves here. If the rest of the From Hermitage to Europe album is similarly elegant, I’d expect a new classic on our hands. This is a must-listen for anyone who rocks out to Kamelot and especially Avantasia. I suspect lovers of The 7th Guild and Delain’s Queen of Shadow EP will have a lot of fun here, too. Immediate inclusion on my playlist.

Run Time: 4:25
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Record Label: Napalm Records