Two years after drummer legend Carmine Appice and his revitalized CACTUS – featuring vocalist Ed Terry, guitarist Artie Dillon, and bassist James Caputo – first unveiled "Temple Of Blues – Influences And Friends," a monumental 15-track collection of heavy blues rock, the legendary ensemble is poised to reopen its hallowed gates. The highly anticipated sequel, "Temple Of Blues II," is set for release on April 3 via Cleopatra Records, promising an even more star-studded roster of musical titans.
The inaugural "Temple Of Blues" album, released in 2022, served as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of CACTUS and the deep respect held for Appice and his bandmates by a constellation of special guests. This initial offering garnered significant attention for its potent blend of classic blues influences fused with a hard-hitting rock sensibility, a sound that has been synonymous with Appice’s career since his formative years with Vanilla Fudge and Beck, Bogert & Appice. The success of the first volume paved the way for an even grander vision for its successor.
"Temple Of Blues II" builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, featuring a remarkable assembly of musicians who have not only graced the first volume but also welcomed a fresh wave of influential artists. Returning luminaries include Ted Nugent, Billy Sheehan, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Dee Snider, and Pat Travers, all of whom contributed significantly to the initial project. Joining this esteemed group for the new release are a formidable array of talent, including Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE), Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS), Joe Lynn Turner (RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE), Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT), and Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), among many others. This cross-generational and genre-spanning lineup underscores the widespread admiration for Appice and the enduring appeal of the blues-rock sound.
The album’s second track, a spirited rendition of "The Little Red Rooster," has been released today across all digital platforms, offering fans a compelling preview of the new material. This rendition features the iconic vocals of Dee Snider of TWISTED SISTER and the searing guitar work of Tracii Guns from L.A. GUNS. Accompanying the single is a visually striking Western-themed music video, a collaborative effort that leveraged Artificial Intelligence for its creation. The video was expertly edited by Dominic Esposito of Deville Films and co-directed by Carmine Appice himself, adding a unique contemporary dimension to the classic blues narrative.
Carmine Appice expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration on "The Little Red Rooster," stating, "It was great working on ‘The Little Red Rooster’ with Dee and Tracii. I arranged it with the drums first, then sent it to Artie Dillion and Ed Terry for their feedback. We created the demo with Ed’s amazing vocals for Tracii, Dee and James Haslip who finished the song. Ed was gracious sitting on the sidelines for this one so Dee could sing the lead vocals. It was such an honor to have Dee on the song and to have him make an appearance in the video, especially since he’s retired now. The song rocks!" Appice’s account highlights the collaborative spirit and the willingness of the core CACTUS members to accommodate special guests, further solidifying the project’s ethos.
Dee Snider shared his profound connection to the band, exclaiming, "CACTUS! The name conjures such amazing memories for me. An inspiration for the rock I would play in the years to come. Can you imagine what it was like to ‘get the call’ that your heroes want you to rock with them? Mind-blowing! And now to be asked for second time!? What a treat to dig into a blues classic like ‘The Little Red Rooster’ with CACTUS!!! Hell yeah!!" Snider’s impassioned response underscores the historical significance of CACTUS and the profound impact they have had on subsequent generations of rock musicians. His participation, especially following his retirement from extensive touring, signifies a special acknowledgment of the project’s importance.
The release of "The Little Red Rooster" follows the successful debut of the album’s first single, "Back Door Man." This earlier track, released on February 18, featured the formidable talents of MR. BIG bassist Billy Sheehan and guitarist Eric Gales, alongside Artie Dillon. Appice was effusive in his praise for this initial offering, stating, "When we finished ‘Back Door Man’ and listened to the whole mix, it blew me away. Billy and Eric are amazing together on top of my drums." This sentiment further emphasizes the caliber of musicianship present on "Temple Of Blues II" and the cohesive synergy achieved despite the diverse array of contributing artists.
CACTUS, often lauded as "America’s LED ZEPPELIN" during their initial run, emerged from the rich musical tapestry woven by Carmine Appice’s previous endeavors. Following his impactful stints with Vanilla Fudge and the influential power trio Beck, Bogert & Appice, Appice launched CACTUS in 1970. Their self-titled debut album immediately made waves, and the band quickly established a formidable reputation on the live circuit. "Temple Of Blues II" aims to evoke the spirit of these formative years, drawing a direct line from their origins to the contemporary interpretations featured on the album.
A notable connection to CACTUS’s early history is highlighted by the inclusion of a rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s "Purple Haze" on the new album. This track holds particular significance as it reunites the band with Melanie, a beloved artist who recorded lead vocals for the song before her passing in 2024. Melanie was also a prominent performer at the legendary Isle Of Wight Festival in 1970, an event where CACTUS was a featured attraction. The inclusion of "Purple Haze" not only pays homage to a seminal work of psychedelic rock but also serves as a poignant tribute to Melanie’s enduring talent and her shared history with the band at a pivotal moment in music history. The album’s deep dive into blues classics, alongside rock staples, demonstrates a broad sonic palette.
The album’s tracklist reveals a consistent theme of honoring blues giants, with Appice confirming, "We are doing seven of the great Howlin’ Wolf and Willie Dixon songs." This commitment to the roots of blues music provides a conceptual framework for the entire project, allowing the guest artists to interpret these foundational tracks through their unique rock and blues lenses.
Further highlights from "Temple Of Blues II" include Pat Travers’ return for a powerful rendition of "Moanin’ At Midnight." Joe Lynn Turner, alongside Steve Morse, Appice’s GUITAR ZEUS bandmate Tony Franklin, and Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER), collaborate on "Bad Stuff." Additionally, Ted Nugent and Bob Daisley (RAINBOW) join forces for an electrifying take on "Spoonful," showcasing another compelling fusion of legendary talent. Each track on this thunderous sequel promises to expand upon the raw blues-rock vision of its predecessor, infusing each performance with heightened fire, swagger, and undeniable authority.
Carmine Appice, the rhythmic engine of the project, anchors every track with his characteristic power, impeccable groove, and profound feel. His drumming not only drives each song forward but also serves as a constant reaffirmation of his status as one of the most influential and enduring drummers in the annals of rock history. His ability to connect with such a diverse group of musicians and extract compelling performances speaks volumes about his musical acumen and leadership.
The full track listing for "Temple Of Blues II" is as follows:
- 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)
A special bonus track, "Feel So Good" (feat. Billy Sheehan & Britt Lightning), is exclusively available on the CD version of the album, offering collectors an additional incentive.
The release of "Temple Of Blues II" represents more than just a new album; it signifies a continuation of a musical dialogue that spans decades. By bringing together such a diverse and accomplished roster of musicians, Carmine Appice and CACTUS are not only celebrating the rich heritage of blues and rock music but also demonstrating its vibrant and evolving nature. The project serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of music and the enduring power of collaboration among artists who share a common passion for excellence and a deep respect for the genre’s foundational figures. The implications for the music industry are clear: classic sounds can be revitalized and reimagined for new audiences through thoughtful curation and exceptional talent. The sustained interest in such projects, evidenced by the success of the first volume, indicates a strong market for authentic, high-caliber blues-infused rock music.
Photo credit for the promotional materials is attributed to Vito Geraci, underscoring the professional presentation of this significant musical endeavor. The accompanying embedded video links provide visual and auditory experiences that further immerse the audience in the world of "Temple Of Blues II" and its lead singles. These multimedia elements are crucial in today’s digital landscape for engaging fans and generating buzz around album releases. The strategic use of AI in video production for "The Little Red Rooster" also points to the industry’s willingness to embrace technological advancements to enhance creative output.