Exploring the Enigmatic World of Twin Temple: The Dark Allure of Their Satanic Doo-Wop
In the eclectic home of Twin Temple’s Alexandra and Zachary james, a menagerie of unusual artifacts tells a story of fascination with the macabre.Among the collection are game trophies and the skeletal remains of a full-term baby named Rose, alongside an adult skeleton known as Charles, sourced from the infamous Bethlem Royal Hospital in London, historically referred to as Bedlam due to its notorious psychiatric practices.
“We have a passion for collecting the bizarre and the eerie,” Alexandra shares. “Our home feels like a living museum of sorts, filled with memento mori from the past.It’s a blend of late ’50s to late ’60s records and a variety of human remains. We’ve always been intrigued by the darker narratives of life.”
The Elephant in the Room
Recently, Twin Temple has garnered significant attention, not just for their unique sound but also for the controversies surrounding their performances. The duo, which emerged in 2017 after previous band experiences, began to define their “satanic doo-wop” style in 2019. Their music, while reminiscent of the Countrypolitan genre from the late ’50s and ’60s, is infused with dark and sometimes graphic imagery. Tracks like “satan’s a Woman,” “I Am a Witch,” ”Burn Your Bible,” and “Let’s Have a Satanic Orgy” have resonated with fans from the metal and punk scenes, leading to tours with notable acts such as Danzig and Ghost.
Despite their niche appeal, their visibility has sparked reactions from various figures, including MAGA personality Alex Jones, who labeled Twin Temple as an “embodiment of pure evil.”
“I draw inspiration from the darker aspects of American history and music. A good murder ballad always captivates me.”
Controversy and Recognition
This summer, the duo made headlines when country artist Charley Crockett dropped them as an opening act after discovering their provocative stage practices.This incident led to their appearance on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show on July 29, and they were later invited by Jack White to perform at the Hollywood Palladium on September 29.
“Initially, it was shocking,” guitarist Zach (formerly Rogenmoser) recalls during a Zoom interview. “We were just days away from the Crockett shows. Though, the support we received afterward has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to share the stage with Jack White. It’s exciting that more people are discovering our music, especially now.”
New Album on the Horizon
The recent buzz has proven favorable for Twin Temple, as they prepare to release their fourth album, Doomed Lovers, on October 9. Produced by Shooter Jennings and recorded at the legendary Studio 3 at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, the album features eight tracks that showcase the duo’s most ambitious work yet. They’ve incorporated a 37-piece Bulgarian orchestra, adding a layer of romanticism and sophistication to Alexandra’s haunting lyrics. The lead single, “Haunt Me,” encapsulates the essence of Twin Temple’s artistic vision.
“my inspiration often stems from the darker narratives within American history and music,” alexandra explains. Growing up as a mixed-race individual (Korean-Caucasian) in the san Francisco Bay Area, she faced significant prejudice, which has shaped her perspective. “I have a deep gratitude for murder ballads and the necrotic, satanic themes found in black metal, alongside the storytelling prowess of classic country artists like Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn.”
“Some people dismiss our work as a gimmick, claiming we aren’t true Satanists. but if you step into our home,you’ll see we embody that lifestyle. These themes permeate my imagination,” she asserts.
Reflections on Their Journey
Alexandra notes that Doomed Lovers represents a culmination of a challenging four to five years for the duo, both personally and professionally, as they navigated various business hurdles before establishing their own label, Pentagrammaton Records. Now, they are optimistic about their current trajectory, which is far from doom. While their partnership thrives on collaboration, we took a moment to delve into Zach’s perspective on the role of guitar within Twin Temple’s unique framework.
“We aimed to create something that genuinely represents us as a duo.”
Musical Roots and Inspirations
When asked about the surprising reactions to their music, Zach reflects, “It’s fascinating to observe how people respond. It’s a very American phenomenon, given the country’s strong Christian roots. I believe America is more satanic than it realizes, but that’s a different discussion. In Europe, I’ve never encountered such conversations.”
He continues, “Part of the surprise may stem from the fact that Twin Temple doesn’t sound conventionally satanic. In metal,certain imagery is expected,so our approach can be seen as a cognitive distortion. it’s an organic blend of elements that represent us authentically.”
Finding Their Path
Both Alexandra and Zach share a belief that people are inherently drawn to Satanism as a worldview. “To us, Satan symbolizes rebellion, free will, and autonomy. It’s part of a broader humanist perspective that celebrates existence and the physical body,contrasting with the repression often propagated by other religions.”
“Our journey has been about discovery,” zach adds. “We’ve both been involved in bands previously, emerging from the punk rock scene in Los Angeles. Twin Temple is our creative offspring,merging everything we love as our relationship deepens. It serves as a vessel for our true will, echoing Aleister Crowley’s ideas of thelema-knowing oneself and pursuing that path unapologetically.”
The Evolution of Their Sound
When discussing their musical journey, Zach recalls, ”I started playing guitar at a young age, initially with a toy guitar.As I grew older, I gravitated towards punk rock and sought to emulate the sounds of artists like Johnny Thunders and Chuck Berry.”
“You can hear that evolution in Twin Temple’s music,” he asserts. “It’s about exploring the roots of punk rock guitar, while also embracing imperfections and conveying emotion rather than striving for perfection.”
“For me, it’s not about perfection; it’s about expressing an attitude and feeling.”
Crafting Their Unique Sound
As they create music, Zach explains, “I approach guitar in two distinct ways: as a lead instrument and as part of an ensemble. The songwriting process is intuitive; I let the song dictate where the guitar fits in. It’s not about following a strict formula but allowing moments to unfold naturally.”
Over time, Zach’s gear has evolved. “Initially, I leaned towards a punk sound with heavy distortion. Though,with Twin Temple,I shifted to cleaner tones,focusing on single coils and incorporating elements like reverb and tremolo to capture the essence of the late ’50s and early ’60s.”
collaborative Writing Process
Alexandra and Zach’s writing process is dynamic. “Typically,Alexandra brings a lyrical and melodic idea,and I contribute the accompaniment.We constantly bounce ideas off each other, making it a collaborative effort. We’re both opinionated, and there have been times we’ve had to step back and revisit songs when tensions arise,” Zach shares with a laugh.
“The title track, ‘Doomed Lovers,’ showcases our collaborative spirit.We initially recorded a different version, but after some reflection, I reworked it, stripping it down to its core elements. The final product came together beautifully, blending various influences and styles,” he explains.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Zach expresses excitement about the possibilities. “We’ll always have a love for classic American music, notably from the late ’50s and early ’60s. However, we’re eager to explore new ideas and sounds while remaining grounded in rock and roll.”
“The journey is ongoing, and we’re excited to see where our muse takes us next,” he concludes.
