Sonic Syndicate - Love And Other Disasters - 19.09.08

Sonic Syndicate’s third is, quite simply, a masterstroke. A curiously upbeat record not commonplace in this genre, it features track after track of polished melodic metal, clever non-intrusive keyboards, sumptuous riffs and glorious choruses creating a whirlpool of emotive songs that bite and don’t let go.

Without being as technically masterful or groundbreaking as their obvious comparisons In Flames, Soilwork and Scar Symmetry, they don’t need to be, instead the emphasis placed purely on tunes rather than relying on tired formulas of harsh beatdowns cut with brief episodes of melody.

In this current death-tinged climate dominating a big proportion of the market, Sonic Syndicate should be praised for their steadfast and stubborn attachment to their melodic mannerisms, because on this showing they’re only getting stronger.

The sky’s the limit.


Verdict:

JIM BURT