Sycronomica – Sycroscope

Releasedate: 23-10-2009; Label: Silverwolf Production
By: Elvira Visser

Sycronomica brings you symphonic black metal in the vein of Dimmu Borgir or Cradle of Filth. Even though there are many bands trying to get near the qualities of these bands, Sycronomica does not fill me with much enjoyment. The band has been around since 1996 and has always stood, with their earlier albums “Paths” and “Gate”, for an atmospheric epic sound that is also progressive with neat melody lines, great riffs and extreme vocals.

This epic metal band is now presenting its third album “Sycroscope”, an album where as they say sophisticated symphonies and merciless riffs meet. The sextet shifts up tempo often enough that the songs never feel dull or flat. The album starts with an intro of a shrieking door at a some psych ward closes and someone escapes. The symphonic elements of this band are a subtle layer behind the Sycronomica’s more Gothenburg metal sound. Oliver Walther has been taking care of the vocals since 1999 bringing his tenor voice and growls to the music. The thing that bothers me is the sound of the keyboard, it doesn’t align with the complete atmosphere Sycronomica presents. The couple of German sung tracks are not loosing anything, maybe these tracks sound even a little better, a bit more rough and raw. On “Nebelgestalt” a choir can be heard on the background but the transition is quite sudden and the music falls away for a brief second. Syncronomica knows how the play with variety, for example Realm of Dust and Asches has some folk influences. I think fans of bands like Dimmy Borgir will like this CD for others the tracks might be a little too lengthy, and as a complete album, hard to digest. Nice to add is that the cover artwork was created by drummer Michael Bayer.

Links:
Sycronomica MySpace
Sycronomica Official