August 27th, 2021 - Jenivere Travels To The Temples Of Ice

 

Hey there evil-doers and craft beer freaks!  Happy Friday!  The Meista here today enjoying a pairing of Venom's very underrated and kickass "Temples Of Ice" and a punchy Jenivere India Pale Ale from SaltFire Brewing Company!  Hell yeah!  

  
Album Info: 

• Artist: Venom
• Title: "Temples Of Ice"
• Recorded: 1991 at Lynx Studio in Newcastle, England
• Release date: May 31st, 1991 (7th studio album by Venom)
• Record company: Under One Flag
• Production: Kevin Ridley and Venom
• Album cover art: Andy (Mackem Git) 
• Personnel: Al Barnes (rhythm guitar), Anthony "Abaddon" Bray (drums), Tony "Demolition Man" Dolan (bass and vocals), and Jeff "Mantas" Dunn (lead guitars) 
• Musical style: Thrash metal, speed metal, heavy metal
• Sound: Steeped in the tradition of Motorhead, NWOBHM, and a hint of English punk, the sound on "Temples Of Ice" is a wonderfully heavy, aggressive, and furious sonic attack!  The crunching rhythms are foot-stomping and fist shaking fun, while the riffing is catchy, fiery, and full of piss and vinegar!  And I adore the Demolition Man's vocal punch! 
• Major themes: Rebellion, evil, darkness, loss, the occult, mythology, sex, lust, speed, heavy metal, violence, etc.
• Tracks: 

1. "Tribes"
2. "Even In Heaven"
3. "Trinity MCMXLV 0530"
4. "In Memory Of (Paul Miller 1964-90)"
5. "Faerie Tale"
6. "Playtime"
7. "Acid"
8. "Arachnid"
9. "Speed King" (Deep Purple cover)
10. "Temples Of Ice"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: SaltFire Brewing Company (Salt Lake City, Utah)
• Website: https://www.saltfirebrewing.com/
• Brew: Jenivere India Pale Ale 
• Style: American India Pale Ale (IPA)
• Serving: 16 ounce can
• ABV: 8.0%
• Pour: The Jenivere pours a clear golden yellow with a frothy, bright white, thin head that dissipates to a thin ring with light lacing.
• Nose: The nose is dank, earthy, citrusy, floral, and slightly malty.  There are aromas of juniper berries, grapefruit rind, lime, oak, pine resin, gin, lightly toasted malts, jasmine, herbal tea, and soft caramel.
• Taste: The taste of the Jenivere is hoppy, citrusy, and piney.  There are notes of grapefruit, orange peel, lime juice, lemon zest, light gin, pine, juniper berries, light grains, and a hint of honey.  
• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and moderately carbonated, the mouthfeel is very crisp and punchy, yet smooth with a very dry, slightly bitter finish.

Overall pairing: The bright, sharp, and citrusy flavors and aromas work great with the aggression and intensity of "Temples Of Ice"!  The fiery and soaring guitar work of Mantas and Barnes shines even brighter with the sweeter notes, while that bitter and slightly boozy hop punch is right in line with the guttural vocals of the Demolition Man and the underlying malt backbone is great for Abaddon's thunderous drumming!

Cheers and hails!!