Band: Satanic Syndrome
Title: Ein Traum In Rot
Label: none
Distribution: Infinite Metal Promotion / Mastersound Entertainment
Release date: 2010
Review: CD

Satanic Syndrome hail from Aalen, Baden-Württemberg (Germany), and were founded in 2007. The band recorded a four-track demo / EP, called Schmerz (‘pain’), released in 2008, and a year later the members began working on the debut. This first album, called Ein Traum In Rot (‘a dream in red’), was produced at Mastersound with Atrocity’s Alexander Krull (producer for Erben Der Schöpfung / Elis, Belphegor, WeltenBrand etc) and lasts for forty seven minutes.
The sound is a first thing that surprises me. The Mastersound Studio is known for professional recordings, but the sound on Ein Traum In Rot is rather under-produced, somewhat frangible.
Lyrically, Satanic Syndrome’s texts deal with melancholia, misanthropic and/or depressive thoughts, and social criticism. The songs are sung in German, which fits well to the music.
Musically, the band combines melodic Dark Metal with rhythmic Black Metal. The vocals are rather high-pitched and painful, and this might bother some. But there is a lot of variation when it comes to the instrumentation and compositions. The tempo differs from slow over pounding to fast, and the melodic approach contrasts perfectly with the obscure spheres. Sometimes, Satanic Syndrome are blasting and mercilessly aggressive, some other moments merge with Gothic influences, then again the whole sounds oppressively parching, thrashing or neo-symphonic.
Unfortunately the whole album isn’t sufficiently crushing, in spite of the good intentions. I’m afraid the young age of the six members, and in consequence the lack of experience, are detrimental, but at the same time I do belief there is a huge potential beneath the surface.
Melodic and rhythmic Dark / Gothic / Black Metal for fans of Desire, Fairytale Abuse, Nocturnal Majesty, Dawn Of Relic or Graveworm.

77/100

Ivan Tibos.