Birth of a Dark Empire

What is there to say about Sweden that hasn’t already been said? Gothenburg is the birthplace and capital of melodic death metal, and the country itself is known for churning out one fantastic band after another. Well, the currently unsigned Syn:Drom are no exception.

Playing a style of death metal that mimics the likes of Behemoth, Nile, and Blood Red Throne, Syn:Drom are a truly solid act. While some of their tunes may not be groundbreaking, they are still very well constructed and executed. It is very apparent that these guys are playing music that they like to hear. When it’s obvious that a band is really into what they are doing, it shines through to the listener and makes them love it just as much.

Instead of making lots of mediocre songs, Syn:Drom has said that working on one song and perfecting it is more important. One listen to Birth of a Dark Empire is valid proof that the aforementioned ideology is a smart one.

My only complaint is that the copy of the album that was sent to me skips during the first track, “Hands of Vengeance.” (Thankfully, that song is on their MySpace page.) To be perfectly honest, I’m not too worried about it because it’s only a matter of time before these Swedes are signed to a good label and I am able to purchase another copy of Birth of a Dark Empire. Until then, I’ll stay quite content with only listening to the 15:06 of 18:33 minutes of blistering death metal that I do happily have.


Jacob Kelley - Pivotal Rage Webzine
www.pivotalalliance.com