Symphonic black metal, love it or hate it, is one of the most prominent forms of the genre nowadays. Although many of the genre's newer acts come across as clichéd and sometimes boring to me, Romania's Syn Ze Şase Tri is certainly one of the more impressive budding symphonic black metal outfits I've heard recently. This Romanian quartet takes the overblown bombast of the genre, adds plenty of dark atmospheric elements, and delivers the final product professionally. Între Două Lumi is their debut full-length album, and was released on April 1st, 2011 by code666. The band released a three-song demo in 2007, and all of those tracks have re-appeared here. Whether or not this album appeals to you all depends on personal taste, but the bottom line is that Syn Ze Şase Tri has created an impressive brew of symphonic black metal with Între Două Lumi.
I've heard this album described as a mix of Dimmu Borgir and Negură Bunget, and that's a great overall description of the music. The bombastic symphonic style of Dimmu Borgir often takes full reign, but multiple dark atmospheric sections often nod in the direction of Negură Bunget. The Negură Bunget influences aren't at all surprising when one considers that founding members Spin and Corb were both members of the band before forming Syn Ze Şase Tri. The general quality of the compositions and musicianship are extremely high, but Între Două Lumi isn't entirely without flaws. My biggest issue is that the keyboards can become quite "intrusive" at times - I really wish the band would take a rawer approach every now and again. Of course, that probably defeats the purpose of the music, but Între Două Lumi would really benefit from cutting out the constant orchestrations in favor of a more sparing approach. The production is also a bit thin and weak (it may just be my promo copy), but it's still not very crippling at all.
Despite my small gripes about the intrusive keyboards and mediocre production, Între Două Lumi really is a great symphonic black metal album. Syn Ze Şase Tri has created a debut that's leaps and bounds ahead of many other albums in its genre, and I have a feeling that most symphonic black metal fans will consider this one of the best albums of 2011. I'll go with a well-earned 3.5 stars here - this isn't a flawless masterpiece, but it's certainly one worth checking out.
Track Listing:
1. Profetie
2. Ziua din urma
3. Fauritorul lumii
4. Gand blestemat
5. A vietii roata
6. Maretia intruparii
7. Calea fara de sfirsit
8. Spirit etern
9. Intre doua lumi. Transcendenta
10. Ruga
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
