Well, will you look at that...once again that familiar goat headed beast graces another extreme metal album cover. I've got nothing against metal bands using a satanic goat creature on their album covers, but this is like the fifth one I've seen this month, and at some point you have to wonder if a new mascot is going to have to be created for the genre.
But anyway, I digress...
You've all come here to find out about the sophomore effort from Swedish death metal act SYN:DROM, titled Iconoclasm, out now on Vicisolum Productions. As the cover image implies, this is certainly a 'beast' of an album, crushing death metal at its finest, with the band not trying to add any gimmicks to the mix, just pure brutality, well crafted songs, sizzling musicianship, and a great production. Lead vocalist Jonny Pettersson does a tremendous job blending deep growls and frightening screams, his violent display really working wonders on mashers like "The Filth Unmasked" and "A Silent Void". Guitar players Roger Bergsten & David Karlsson lay down plenty of inventive riffage throughout the album, never veering too far into extreme technicality, but precision riffing is their game, and Karlsson explodes from time to time with some superb solos. While most of the tunes are straightforward death metal neckbreakers, a tune such as "Iconoclastic View" offers some atmospheric textures which brings some varied elements to the table.
I'd also like to mention drummer Daniel Mikaelsson & bassist Daniel Åsén, both of whom make their presence felt here on Iconoclasm. Daniel's drum work is acrobatic and powerful throughout the album, and without a doubt he's a player to watch out for. Overall, this is a damn crushing album of Swedish death metal might that any fan of the genre will need to check out.
Track Listing
1.Black Dawn
2.A Silent Void
3.Cold Existence
4.The Filth Unmasked
5.Solitude Breeds Death
6.13th Serpent
7.Reversion
8.Through Divine Intoxication
9.Iconoclastic View
10.Imposing as Gods Amongst Men
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