Cactus: Temple of Blues II Review  

Carmine Appice resurrected his 1970s blues rock band Cactus and released the first album of new work in 34 years in 2006. The band was comprised of original members Appice (drums), Tim Bogert (bass guitar), Jim McCarty (lead guitar), and new member and ex-Savoy Brown lead singer Jimmy Kunes. By 2021, Carmine was the only original surviving member of Cactus. Temple of the Blues II is the follow-up to Cactus’ 2024 release Temple of the Blues and features a score of guest musicians on the eleven cuts, including a bonus track on the CD. Artists range from Eric Gales and Pat Travers to Dee Snider and Tracii Guns, with Carmine Appice leading the band on drums on all eleven tracks.

Cut #1 is Willie Dixon’s “Back Door Man 1 & 2,” which was originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1960 and later recorded by The Doors on their eponymous debut album The Doors in 1967. Nearly sixty years later, Appice and company updated it with their version, which was influenced by the original Howlin’ Wolf recording. Jeff Beck gave the album to Appice, which included that and other Howlin’ Wolf songs. The updated version features Eric Gales opening with a heavy guitar riff, followed by his raspy vocals growling out the lyrics, accompanied by his screaming guitar solos and Billy Sheehan’s lead bass runs in both slow and fast tempos.

“Hey, all you people that tryin’ to sleep
I’m out to make it with my midnight creep, yeah”

“300 Pounds of Joy” is a Howlin’ Wolf autobiographical composition. The track opens with Appice’s explosive drumming driving the song forward until King’s X lead guitarist Ty Tabor jumps in with flavorful slide guitar licks. Appice’s drumming continues to push the song ahead, with Ed Terry on vocals and the band harmonizing, while Artie Dillon provides bass. “Moanin’” features 1970s hard blues rocker Pat Travers on slide lead guitar, shredding his way through the song. Ed Terry’s soaring vocals kick things off on another Howlin’ Wolf-era tune with a primal beat. “Down to the Bottom” features King’s X bassist Dug Pinnick on vocals, with Phil Soussan on bass and Richard Fortus delivering multifaceted guitar work. Carmine’s explosive drumming once again drives the Howlin’ Wolf tune.

“Well, now meet me in the bottom,
Bring me my runnin’ shoes.”

Cut #5 features Ron Thal, better known as Bumblefoot, on fretless and lead guitar for “Token Chokin’.” The song is from Cactus’ third album Restrictions from 1971, but this version is a harder-rocking take, with stratospheric guitar peals replacing the dominant harmonizing of the original. Ed Terry provides vocals, joined by heavy metal bassist Johnny Rod from W.A.S.P. and Artie Dillon on driving rhythm guitar. “Bad Stuff” is a high-energy track that appeared on Cactus’ fourth and final album from their 1970s run. This version features an explosive performance with ex-Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse and vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, along with keyboardist Derek Sherinian and fretless bassist Tony Franklin.

“He hands out paper kisses
Blind man’s way to talk”

“Tail Dragger” is another Willie Dixon composition first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf. It features Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick delivering stellar licks, along with bassist Rudy Sarzo of Whitesnake and Ozzy Osbourne, while vocalist Ed Terry’s voice interplays with Rocking Jake on harmonica. “The Little Red Rooster” is another Willie Dixon song first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf, with Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider on vocals and Tracii Guns on lead guitar. Jazz bassist Jimmy Haslip provides the low end, while Appice’s relentless drumming supplies the backbeat.

“I have a little red rooster
Too lazy to crow ‘fore day”

“Purple Haze” is a stripped-down power trio plus one, with Melanie’s posthumously featured voice delivering the vocals on Jimi Hendrix’s composition. Coincidentally, Hendrix, Melanie, and Cactus all performed at the Isle of Wight Festival in August 1970, less than three weeks before Hendrix’s death. Artie Dillon’s stellar guitar work complements Melanie’s vocals. “Spoonful” is another Willie Dixon tune that Howlin’ Wolf recorded and was later re-recorded by Cream and many others. It remains a classic, with Ed Terry on vocals and Ted Nugent providing lead guitar. Appice’s powerful drumming, coupled with Australian veteran bassist Bob Daisley, drives the song with a throbbing beat.

“But a little spoon of your precious love
Good enough for me”

Cut #11, “Feel So Good,” is a bonus track available only on the CD. It features Vixen guitarist Britt Lightning and former KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, with vocals by Rob Caudill. The song was co-written by Appice, Bogert, Day, and McCarty and originally appeared on Cactus’ debut album Cactus released in 1970.

Trying to choose the best songs on Temple of the Blues II is no easy task, with eleven unique cuts featuring different band combinations on each track. Every configuration is anchored by Carmine Appice, whose relentless drumming drives each performance. A wide range of guitarists deliver standout solos, paired with soulful, emotion-driven vocals from multiple singers. The end result is a blues rock album that should satisfy fans who appreciate powerful drumming and high-level guitar work.

The Review: 9/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Back Door Man
– Moanin’
– Little Red Rooster
– Purple Haze
– Spoonful

The Big Hit

– Little Red Rooster