Tempest Eternal

Tempest Eternal were a band that existed from 2007-2010. They were formed from the ashes of local Madison WI Prog Metal stalwarts, Cyclic Creation. It started in 2006, when Cyclic were starting to record what was to become their debut album, Elementia. Tensions began to arise in late 2006 and early 2007, and the band decided to part ways with their vocalist, Zazu Crystal and recruit former Soulkeep vocalist Matt Devries. Devries had a bit of the history with the band, as he had been their original vocalist for a short time upon formation in 2004. The band parted ways after one high profile show and some vocal recording with Devries, and remained dormant until 2009, when guitarist Mattowarrior decided to salvage some of what was left of the recordings and finish a mini album. The result is what is on this page, now fully remastered from their original recordings. Tempest Eternal reformed with guitarist Mattowarrior and original drummer Nick Dipiazza, and new members Gabe Keeley (Guitars), Matt Smith (Vocals) and Nate Keeley (keyboard/bass). However, after one show together, Mattowarrior decided to part ways with the group, citing musical differences. The band then chose the name "Wake and Prevail" and Mattowarrior is now lending his six string skills to "Pathless Land" and "Midi Warlord".

Cyclic Creation were the original band to later become Tempest Eternal. Cyclic Creation had its roots in various configurations of attempted bands that Mattowarrior and Nick Dipiazza had tried to form since late 2001. The band eventually gelled when Mattowarrior found a place to practice, namely his roommate's basement! The band's original lineup consisted of Matt Devries, Matt Lee (Guitars) Mattowarrior and Nick Dipiazza (Drums). Matt Lee would quit and join local Metal legends Mirror Black, and Matt Devries quit and later joined Soulkeep. The band then found music veteran Zazu Crystal to fill the void on bass and vocals. This configuration lasted a few months and a few shows until finding second guitarist Paul Mix. Mix brought a whole new dimension to the band, but unfortunately citing personal reasons decided to quit the band as well after a couple months, shows and the helping write the song "Elementia". The band then soldiered on with guitarist Frank Grullion, but he was to only last a couple weeks. The band then decided that they wanted a permanent bass player and relieved Zazu of "Double duty". Mike Brisson (a long time friend of Mattowarrior's) was brought into the fold, bringing a ton of experience and a plethora of influences. This changed the dynamic and it was with his integration (as well as musical expertise) that the band found its greatest success, including a high profile gig at local prog/power festival Madpower. This was not to last, as the band would later become Tempest Eternal (See first question)

Tempest Eternal played only two shows. However, Cyclic Creation played dozens of shows. Tempest played live once with each lineup- Mark I and Mark II respectively.

Iron Maiden, Death, Dream Theater, Atheist, Martyr, Judas Priest, Symphony X, Blind Guardian, etc.

"The mini album was partially recorded in our rehearsal space, partly in my bedroom. I basically recorded 90 percent of the guitars using my modeling amp as the bass and drums and (the available) vocals were already recorded. Some of the solos and some tracks were done at the space, namely 40 percent of Agrestal's guitars, and 100 percent of Phase Plane's guitars. The performances on the album are sloppy at times, and horrifyingly chaotic at others. However, the melody, complexity, and determination shines through. We didn't know what we were doing half the time, but I decided that I would save what I think could be salvaged. I may be releasing more unreleased stuff too on this page that was left unfinished, including Inquisition and a few other tracks (even some rehearsal stuff that is worthy). It was a good time overall, despite setbacks and the underwhelming Madison music scene. I remastered the mini album using Isotope Ozone, and tried to set all the levels where it wasn't too compressed or overly hot, but still it sounds a lot snappier and pristine that it had before. I hope you like it." Mattowarrior, Former guitarist of Tempest Eternal, May 27th 2011.