Formed in 2003 by Ryan Wenzel (Guitars, keyboards) and Rich Corle (Drums), Tempel manages to blend metal's dark and melodic elements seamlessly. Upon its initial release, On The Steps Of The Temple developed a buzz in the underground community and received praise from notable press outlets such as The A.V. Club, who proclaimed, "Tempel takes things to uncharted-and astounding-territory... This is not your typical ethereal, chin-stroking post-metal."