Prepare to Enter the Realm of the Treacherous Beast - Templars new Single!

Fasten your seatbelts, crank the volume, and hold on tight—we’re diving headfirst into Treacherous Beast, the electrifying new 3-track single from Swedish heavy metal warriors Templar. As someone who had the privilege of contributing to the single’s description over at Jawbreaker Records (you can check it out here), I’m building on what I’ve written there to give you a more personal take. Trust me, this single delivers some of the year’s most exciting heavy metal moments.

But before we dissect the single’s three tracks, let’s talk about Templar and their journey so far. If you want to skip straight to the music, scroll past the next couple of sections straight to "Time has come for you...Treacherous Beast!" .

Who Are Templar?

Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, Templar was forged in 2022 by ex-members of Sweet Remedy (Gustav Harrysson & Hector Sjödin), Eternal Evil (Teddy Edoff), and speed metal outfit Speeder. Their first offering, the Black Knight demo, dropped on October 7th, 2023. While the demo showcased their potential, it was clear that the band had room to grow. Fast-forward to now, and Treacherous Beast feels like the polished and powerful realization of everything that demo hinted at.

The Evolution of Templar

What truly sets this single apart is the lineup overhaul that propelled Templar’s sound to new heights. Since the Black Knight demo, the band has undergone some significant changes:

• Former vocalist Adam Erikson stepped down, making way for Isak Neffling, who now commands both bass and vocal duties with undeniable charisma.

• Drumming responsibilities have been passed to Mille Lundström, while Teddy Edoff switched from bass to lead guitar, joining forces with Gustav Harrysson to unleash a twin-guitar assault.

These changes haven’t just reshaped Templar’s sound—they’ve supercharged it. This release kicks off a new era for the band, featuring two brand-new tracks that have only been heard live until now: the blazing title track Treacherous Beast and the Swedish anthem I Natt. And, as a special treat, they’ve breathed new life into Ringwraith from their Black Knight EP, giving it the lineup’s new firepower. But don’t you fear, dear oldschool metal maniäcs. The production and songwriting may be a massive leap forward compared to their demo, yet it still preserves that warm and authentic 80s underground that you maniäcs crave – perhaps this may not be a suprise to you, given that Staffan Tegnér of Century is responsible for the production.

Time has come for you…. Treacherous Beast!

The stronger songwriting and upgraded sound make the songs feel alive, pulsing with energy. The title track, Treacherous Beast, is an absolute rager—fast, anthemic, and bursting with energy. It’s the kind of song that gets you headbanging until you lose all sense of direction, while chanting along with the infectious chorus: “TIME HAS COME FOR YOUUU, TREACHEROUS BEAST!” The dual guitar attack, ripping speed, and 80s-infused glory will have you hooked instantly. Think of Di’Anno Era Maiden for the vocals and riping energy of the songs and early 80s Judas Priest for the dual guitar riffing work.

Next up is Ringwraith, reborn with the band’s new lineup. This version is tighter, richer, and packs way more punch than the demo. The vocals shine with more flair, and the track feels tighter and more polished, with those melodic twin guitars elevating it to new heights.

Finally, the single closes with I Natt, a mid-tempo Swedish banger that’s equal parts Judas Priest and Heavy Load. This sing-along anthem has that perfect balance of melody and energy, making it easy to chant along, even if you don’t speak the language!

Support the Underground

What makes Templar special is their ability to redefine themselves while staying true to their core sound. This isn’t just a band growing musically; it’s a group of passionate musicians finding their voice and vision together. Lineup changes can be tricky, but Templar handled them with grace, proving that sometimes change is necessary to unlock a band’s true potential.

As someone who received early access to this single, I was already hyped. But when my 7” vinyl copy arrived today, the stunning cover art sealed the deal. Featuring a grand wizard clad in a red robe, adorned with magical relics and skulls, holding an orb and staff, the artwork perfectly captures the epics of its name. It’s as if he’s preparing to banish the treacherous beast himself—what better visual to accompany such a powerful single?

This single isn’t just a release—it’s a reminder of why we need to support young, hungry bands like Templar. Streaming is convenient, sure, but buying physical media and merch is what keeps the underground alive. It ensures that bands like this can keep creating, growing, and eventually hitting the road to bring their music to the stage.

Grab the 7" Single here: https://www.jawbreaker.se/product/templar-treacherous-beast/

Here’s hoping Templar tours Germany someday—or better yet, drops a full-length album in 2025. If that happens, you can bet I’ll be first in line. Until then, Treacherous Beast is more than enough to keep the fires of heavy metal burning bright.

So what are you waiting for? The time has come for you…. to blast it loud, and join the battle against the treacherous beast!

P.S: I didn't want to call them out on it since any promotions for bands are welcome, but THE NWOTHM basically stole the text I've written for Jawbreaker 1:1 and posted it under their name here: https://thenwothm.com/2024/11/01/stockholms-heavy-metal-warriors-templar-return-with-a-revamped-lineup-and-a-surge-of-new-energy/ (no, they did not ask for permission, they just took it!)- It's sad that an online magazine like this has to resort to such lazy tactics by stealing other peoples work, but I hope this got the band some more new well-deserved fans.