by darrell P. Finely
The “America’s Led Zeppelin” moniker has never felt more earned than it does right now. Following the massive success of the first Temple of Blues in 2024, drum legend Carmine Appice has returned with a thunderous sequel that somehow manages to pack even more fire, swagger, and sheer authority than its predecessor. Temple of Blues Vol. II isn’t just a collection of covers; it’s a masterclass in heavy blues-rock featuring a rotating door of rock royalty.
The Foundation
At the heart of every track is Carmine Appice. His unmistakable power and groove act as the anchor for the entire project. Even with the massive personalities of the guest stars, it’s Appice’s drumming that dictates the energy of the record.
Standout Tracks & All-Star Collaborations
The album is a heavy hitter from start to finish, but a few tracks stand out as immediate classics:
- “The Little Red Rooster” (feat. Dee Snider & Tracii Guns): A standout moment that features a retired Dee Snider delivering a charismatic and gritty vocal performance alongside Tracii Guns’ most soulful, blues-wailing guitar work to date.
- “Back Door Man” (feat. Eric Gales & Billy Sheehan): This track brings a modern shred-meets-blues intensity that bridges the gap between the old guard and today’s guitar icons.
- “Bad Stuff” (feat. Joe Lynn Turner & Steve Morse): A Deep Purple reunion of sorts that delivers exactly the kind of musical prowess you’d expect from legends of this caliber.
- “Purple Haze” (feat. Melanie): A deeply emotional and versatile vocal performance recorded by the legendary Melanie before her passing in 2024. It creates a hauntingly beautiful bridge across generations of rock history.
The Tracklist
- Back Door Man Pt. 1 & 2 (feat. Eric Gales & Billy Sheehan)
- 300 Pounds of Joy (feat. Ty Tabor)
- Moanin’ at Midnight (feat. Pat Travers)
- Down in the Bottom (feat. dUg Pinnick)
- Token Chokin’ (feat. Bumblefoot)
- Bad Stuff (feat. Steve Morse, Joe Lynn Turner, Derek Sherinian & Tony Franklin)
- Tail Dragger (feat. Rudy Sarzo & Alex Skolnick)
- The Little Red Rooster (feat. Dee Snider, Tracii Guns & Jimmy Haslip)
- Purple Haze (feat. Melanie)
- Spoonful (feat. Ted Nugent & Bob Daisley)
- Feel So Good (feat. Billy Sheehan & Britt Lightning) [CD Bonus Track]
The Bottom Line
If you’re a fan of classic sleaze rock, heavy blues, or just want to hear what happens when a group of legends decides to jam without holding back, Temple of Blues Vol. II is essential listening. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it reaffirms Cactus as a powerhouse in the genre.
