Doomed Confessionary: Ola Himberg (Tempel)
Photo by Silje Elisabeth Edvardsen
Norway’s Tempel puts both the brutal, the soft and everything in between into a tube and squeezes out delicious, hairy headbanger cream, but likes to trick you out just when you think you know what’s coming around the next bend. Or before…
In 2018, they released a critically acclaimed debut album »Tempel« and the sequel »Sagn« just dropped in April 2024.
Expect captivating party rock with spinning windmill headspin in stereo!
Tempel are Inge Gjermundrød (vocals, bass), Espen Gjermundrød (guitar), Ola Himberg (guitar), Jonas Usterud Rønningen (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Tempel was formed 2012 by ex-Kvelertak drummer Kjetil and his two brothers Espen and Inge. Kjetil stepped down and handed over the drums to Jonas and they brought along me (Ola) on guitar.
The music combines everything between 70-rock and black metal with lots of melodies. Often two-part harmonies. Think Thin Lizzy
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Finding time… Three of four band members have children and we live some distance away from each other. All members also play in additional bands. So logistics around rehearsals etc seems to be the biggest issue to be honest. So what happens is that we play more shows than we get to rehearse. Not the most optimal approach but it is the most rock’n roll!
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think I speak for all the members that the work and effort put into our new album (»Sagn«) has resolved into a collective satisfaction. Being able to play the music we like, which again gifts us the opportunity to travel the world playing shows. I’d say leaves a great deal of contentment.
What was your biggest regret?
I for one don’t really deal with regrets. If you always deal with the circumstances at hand to the best of your abilities and insight. I don’t see any reason to look back. There is always the chance you do everything right and still not get the results you want.
Photo by Pål Rønningen
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Supporting Kvelertak through Europe certainly comes to mind, alot of experiences, fun and wisdom was gained. As always playing shows with good friends such as Håndgemeng, Royal Abuse, Shadow Cave Riot. No particular show comes to my mind since they are all a blast. We always try to crank to it 11 when we pick up our instruments!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Authenticity getting more and more back on the menu even for big artists was actually a surprise for me. For eksample Oliver Anthony.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
New Light Orchestra – Vol 2., Randy Holden – Population II., Thin Lizzy – Vagabonds Of The Western World and Sleep – The Sciences.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
When you enter a venue, say hi to everyone who works there and shake their hands. Do the same when you leave.
What are your guilty pleasures?
American breakfast cereals the full on heroin diabetes kind. Captain Crunch, Cinnamon Toast Crunch etc.
Can you say something more about the music scene in your area?
I live in Oslo, the capital city of Norway. But all of the members have lived here in the past. I think everyone agrees that Oslo is a great place for any kind of art or genre of music. You can find your niche here no matter how small. You love Oslo, but you hate it aswell. Most who have lived here long enough I guess will agree haha.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We only got shows for Norway planned at the moment. Which are Horten, Trysil, Hamar and Tønsberg. But we’re always open to offers that take us abroad!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Keep on doing what we’ve always been doing. Just keep rockin’n rollin’, jammin’ music and try to plan some gigs outside Norway. Just keep on truckin basicly!
How can people best support your band?
Listen to the music, but most of all come to our shows and have a good time with us!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We would like to thank all our fans for their support, patience and good times. Lots more to follow so heads up!
Also thank you Doomed Nation for the time and opportunity. If anyone in Slovenia wants us to come play don’t be shy to contact us!
Stay the course and stride safe!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well