Dirty Linen Magazine Review of Shapeshifter
Genevieve Williams (Seattle, WA) 
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After 15 years, one might think that Celtic-prog-rockers Tempest would start to sound a little dated, particularly 
since its sound does hearken to a particular period in folk-rock history: the 1970s, to be exact. It’s often been 
said of Tempest that if it were around 30 years ago, it would be ranked next to Jethro Tull and King Crimson. 
Be that as it may, the band still sounds remarkably fresh, although Shapeshifter does feature the latest of several 
lineup rotations; only bandleader Lief Sørbye and drummer Adolfo Lazo remain of Tempest’s original members. And 
describing this band as 1970s-style folk-rock reads as something of a dismissal when one considers what else is going 
on on this CD. It begins familiarly enough with a rearranged traditional Celtic song, but "Tamosher" pushes the fiddle 
of new member Sue Draheim out front right away; she’s a confident musician who fits in perfectly. This is followed 
by a fast-paced, upbeat instrumental that would sound more appropriate in an arena than a pub. 
For the first time, Tempest adds an American folk song to its repertoire with "Old Man at the Mill." Although this, 
like other traditional songs Tempest records, is rearranged according to the band’s own aesthetic, it retains its unique 
Appalachian flair. Tempest’s ability to adapt songs while retaining their unique characteristics is one of this band’s 
great strengths. While these adapted traditional songs tend to rock harder than the original material, "Natural Law" 
in particular could benefit from a bit of bite. For the most part, though, Tempest’s musical instincts remain sound. 
On the closing number, "The Cruel Brother," the music reinforces and highlights the emotional turns detailed in the lyrics. 
Shapeshifter is the work of a band at the top of its game, all the more impressive in light of the turnover in the lineup.