A Timeless Tale Reimagined by San Diego’s Melodic Rock Torchbearers
There’s something magical about a great cover song—especially when it’s handled by a band that truly gets it. The Taz Taylor Band, San Diego’s own melodic rock heroes, have just dropped a video for “Temple of the King,” and it’s the kind of performance that would make even the most diehard Rainbow fans sit up and take notice. With their new album, The Other Side Of Midnight, just around the corner, TTB is reminding everyone why classic rock endures: it’s all about soul, passion, and a touch of mystery.
If you’ve ever heard the original “Temple of the King” by Rainbow, you know it’s not your average rock tune. Written by Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio back in 1975, the song is a mystical journey about a young man’s search for truth and enlightenment. The words unfold like a scene: a bell tolling in the year of the fox, a circle of people, and a trembling hand reaching out for answers. It’s got that timeless, almost mythical quality—part fairy tale, part rock anthem. The story is about searching for something greater, finding your place in the world, and maybe, just maybe, discovering a bit of magic along the way.
Taz Taylor Band’s take on this classic is both respectful and refreshingly new. Taz himself, a British-born guitar wizard who’s called San Diego home since the late ‘90s, leads the charge with his signature acoustic style—tasteful, melodic, and full of feeling. He’s the kind of player who lets every note breathe, never rushing, always letting the song lead the way. And then there’s Laura K. Vreeland on vocals. Laura’s performance here is nothing short of spellbinding. She brings a regal power to the lyrics, channeling the spirit of Dio while adding her own unique warmth and vulnerability. It’s the kind of vocal that gives you goosebumps and makes you want to hit repeat.
Of course, a band is only as good as its rhythm section, and longtime bassist Barney Firks locks in perfectly with guest drummer Matt Starr, laying down a groove that’s both solid and sensitive. Eric Denton’s keyboards add just the right amount of atmosphere, giving the whole thing a dreamy, almost cinematic vibe. The chemistry between these players is obvious—they’re not just covering a song, they’re living it, breathing it, making it their own.
The video itself, recorded at Doubletime Recording Studios in Santee, CA, captures the band in their element: focused, passionate, and clearly having a blast. There’s no flashy gimmicks here, just musicians pouring their hearts into a song they love.
But what really makes this cover special is the story behind the band. Taz Taylor’s journey from the UK to California is the stuff of rock ‘n’ roll legend—he arrived in LA with nothing but a guitar, a backpack, and a dream. After years of hard work (and more than a few miles as a long-haul truck driver), he built the Taz Taylor Band from the ground up, releasing a string of killer albums and sharing stages with legends like MSG, Uli Jon Roth, UFO, and more. Through it all, Taz has stayed true to his roots: melodic, heartfelt rock with a nod to the greats but always looking forward.
Laura K. Vreeland’s story is equally inspiring. Joining a group with a strong creative history is no small feat, but she’s more than risen to the occasion. She brings a fresh energy to TTB, and her gratitude for the opportunity shines through in every performance.
With their new album, The Other Side Of Midnight, set for release on May 14, 2025, Taz Taylor Band is poised for their biggest year yet. If this cover is any indication, the album is going to be a must-listen for fans of melodic hard rock, classic anthems, and guitar-driven storytelling.
Check out the “Temple of the King” video on YouTube, follow Taz Taylor Band on Instagram, Facebook, and Spotify, and get ready for a wild ride when the new album drops. TTB proves that great music never goes out of style. The temple is open, the bell is ringing, and the journey is just beginning.
Follow Taz Taylor Band: https://www.facebook.com/taztaylorband
More Music News from WME
Grit, Sun, and Storytelling – Barefoot with a Stetson’s “West Texas Oil Fields”
Velvety Vocals and City Vibes: The Kollective Debuts “Mesmerized”
Laura Pradelska’s “Hide U” Edit Marries Nostalgia with Underground Energy