There’s a new project in the works called TEMPEST, and they have just released two outstanding covers: “Sober”, originally by TOOL, and “Dead Memories”, originally by Slipknot. Made up of Ron Poisson (Lead singer; owner of clothing brand Cult of Individuality), Will Hunt (Drummer; Evanescence) Doc Coyle and Chris Cain(Guitarists; Bad Wolves) and Kyle Konkiel (Bassist; Bad Wolves), TEMPEST is already living up to their name in potential as a storm to be reckoned with. 

A project put together during COVID, (after an idea Poisson had while conducting interviews in trying to keep his brand, Cult of Individuality, in the public eye during a crisis of employment within the industry), TEMPEST came together when Hunt, Coyle, Cain and Konkiel jumped on board to be a part of this exciting new venture. Recorded in separate pieces and places, with the thankful help of today’s technology, the guys were able to prepare and bring the covers together during lockdown. 

Produced by SLUSATV, the musical video for “Sober” is dark, haunting and delicious in its temptations to the visual and auditory senses. A song that addresses the subject matter of the fall of a man’s struggle with addiction, “Sober” is a song that always plays close to the chest of those who have experienced this dark battle within themselves, or others that they love, lost in the grips of that disease. 

“Sober” slow burns a perfect introduction to do justice to the original song. Poisson is a passionate vocalist who pulls you in, and the well-renowned talent of Coyle, Cain and Konkiel are palpable in the best of their presence. The instrumental work of these Masters of Music is a beauty to behold in both songs. The excitement for more, and for original music from this project, will have you feeling eager and impatient. 

“Dead Memories” is such a good cover it will bring about chills. The energy and love put into this cover is notably breathtaking within the hard rocking. You can tell that working this song meant a lot to these gentlemen, as did honoring their beloved and passed-on friend, Joey Jordison (Drummer and founding member from Slipknot). These are guys with exquisite taste and talent putting forth a moving homage to the incomparable Jordison. Hunt does some fantastic and creative drumwork, solidifying his position in the song. You can tell from Hunt’sintensity and rhythmic accuracy that he knew how important his role as the drummer in this cover was. 

My favorite aspect of the cover is the hint of grunge in the guitarwork, especially in the beginning of the song. That grunge sound compliments the hard rock without overpowering it in a technical showdown of excellence. The music video (also produced by SLUSATV), is bright and vibrant. Andy Warhol meets grunge hard rock with a splash of ostensible punk in appearance; the music video feels like a Bansky graffiti experience. 

TEMPEST takes some more slight liberties in changes to the arrangement of the song, but it’s still very close in comparison to the original. 

There is something about Poisson’s vocals that are refreshing, exciting and light, while balancing that ever-necessary hard rock sound. Poisson’s vocals crawl up your spine in all the best ways. He can hold his own among the beautiful beasts of the industry. 

While TEMPEST honors both these songs and the original musicians by sticking close to the core of the originals, they also distinguish themselves with the hopeful promise of more to come, (if this is a taste of the excellence they have to offer). 

TEMPEST undertook a challenging risk by choosing two such familiar songs to cover, and the gamble paid off. A job very well done, Gentlemen. I’m looking forward to the future endeavors of this project. 

By I’m Music Magazine Writer Breezy Blake