Unfortunately, this album also lacks bass of any kind.
And that, in the face of all you purists out there, is what music should be about. The bonus track Freelancer also displays the ability of the guitarists in a different light, so it becomes clear that these kids aren’t lacking talent, but they are simply writing the songs they want too and having fun. However, SS can also turn up the maturity when it comes to guitar instrumentals, and certainly grace your ears with a variety of leads, such as on Blue Eyed Fiend, Callous, and Flashback. They have created a plethora of simple, melodic, and varying rhythm guitar parts which provide songs with a very strong bottom line and give the tracks a solid groove and neck snapping potential. When the guitars take a backseat is where these guitarists shine though. They are incredibly catchy (Blue Eyed Fiend), play with rhythm (Only Inhuman), and show flashes of technicality here and there (Psychic Suicide). It makes the album relaxing at points and the harder moments become that much more engaging.
But SS avoid this conflict entirely by substituting these blank spots with melodic, airy vocals and slow drum beats. You want a real metal breakdown? Abandoned by Amon Amarth is the way to go. It’s not that I hate breakdowns, but modern metalcore like Demon Hunter, the Devil Wears Prada, and Suicide Silence spam it relentlessly until it loses all power and brutality. But what they don’t have is what makes this album enjoyable: breakdowns. The gimmicks are there catchy vocals, big choruses, and synthesizers. But they play it the way it was intended, just like A Love for Enemies, as a blend of hardcore and post-hardcore with metal (in this case, melodic death metal). Then again, perhaps refreshing is not the best word. Still, SS over come this and their sound, while not always original is refreshing. Which also goes to show you how male dominated metal unfortunately is. This is particularly true of Sonic Syndicate, who, while having a distinctive style, can’t seem to get publicity other than in the way of having an attractive bassist. It’s always a shame when a band becomes known for the wrong thing.
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