Seven years it’s been, but that long, painful wait has been worth it. ‘Into Temptation’ re-introduces the finest metal band in Aotearoa, and represents the sum of the anguish, fear, depression, determination, anger, passion, patience and ultimately selflessness of Christchurch’s Tainted. Trying to fix broken lives and houses, whilst painstakingly acquiring the necessary funds to bring their unique and cathartic musical vision into lasting form has been a journey – the drive and talent of this extremely tight, focused and professional band cannot be overstated. There is no standing back in the shadows at a Tainted gig and this is a Tainted live show on disc.

Lamb Of God provide a good style reference point, and Tainted would easily stand alongside them as world class metal musicians. This is only the third album in the band’s history and it’s no surprise there have been changes since their 2008 gem ‘Carved And Created’. Vocalist Slim, the crowning glory of the band, fortunately remains, as do founding members Tim Facoory and Linly Baxter. Recorded mostly at Quicksand Studios in Christchurch with mixing at Modern World Studios in England, the result is impeccable metal.