I got a soft spot for modern metal. However, that spot is very, very small. About a size of a head of a pin. Swedish newcomers Sonic Syndicate's debut studio album 'Eden Fire' partly hits the spot, so that's a job well done, let me tell you.

Crunchy American-style rhythm guitar work is in bigger role than lead guitar, therefore reminding me In Flames' 'Reroute to Remain' (2002) and 'Soundtrack to Your Escape' (2004) albums. So, guitar melodies are a bit too rare, but still there's more of them than on those In Flames platters. But as on them, also here some of the lead guitar work is muted. When those guitar melodies are heard, they remind me of Dark Tranquillity and such. Synths bring in some melody (piano, strings etc.) and are used effectively, if not uniquely, to bring in modern element with bleeps and such. Heavy riffs together with punchy drumming and bass playing admittedly make a powerful rhythmic base. Songs work quite well, but there are a couple of fillers thrown on the middle of the album (e.g. 'Misanthropic Coil'). The biggest drawback is the use of similar elements throughout the album. 'Eden Fire' was composed by one man alone, so maybe some ideas from other band members might had worked miracles. Two out of three chapters (= 7 songs) are the bands old stuff, which has been released on two separate EPs. I haven't hear those EPs, but it reads that the songs are reworked for this release.

Vocals are very varying. A lot of different growls from low ones to screamy ones are well done, again reminding me of In Flames. There's some emo-style male singing on the first song, which is horrible, thanks to the image it creates for me. Female vocals are too rare, because they certainly liven up 'Enhance My Nightmare'. Some of the lyrics (can be found on the band's website) are filled with religious allegories, others are metaphorical. Some texts are interesting and quite original.

Sonic Syndicate is, I believe, good stuff for those who like In Flames' new style and modern rhythm centric metal. But for Sonic Syndicate's defence against all those plagiarism charges, I must say this is better than In Flames nowadays are! And these fellas definitely have better looking bass player, hehe. All in all, I find that this kind of stuff usually doesn't have a long lasting appeal, but only time will tell.

Rating: 6½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/20/2006 22:54