Synaptik ~ England

Justify & Reason (2017)

In my notes for Synaptik's debut The Mechanisms of Consequence, I mentioned the album essentially constituted a facsimile of a 3rd full length Watchtower album. Since I'm not overly familiar with the album beyond that session, I'll need to rely on my past scribblings. I bring this up because Justify & Reason does not remind me of Watchtower, or tech thrash much at all. Certainly those elements are present, but this one feels much more heavy and - dare I say - modern.

England's Synaptik have a long history with technical styled metal, going back to the late 80s with the awesome Inner Sanctum and then later with the even more obscure Fifth Season. On those past albums, I didn't hear this kind of heaviness. The vocals fortunately are melodic and well done (though occasional shouts and screams are of course necessary), a bit toward the emotive side that can often water down releases such as this (but doesn't here). There's only five tracks on Justify & Reason, each sailing past the six minute mark and beyond (totaling near the 35 minute EP length). It's certainly still complex, but that's not always the case either. I've seen references to Nevermore and Zero Hour, and those groups aren't too far off the mark. I know in some circles I'd get shot for saying this, but one can also hear Meshuggah and Machine Head as well.

With music that is as involved as Justify & Reason, one already inherently knows multiple listens will reveal more each time. These veterans do not seem close to slowing down, despite a lack of any kind of large scale commercial success.

Ownership: 2017 Divebomb (2xCD) Includes a remix of their debut. Supposedly heavier, I didn't listen to it. At some point I'll need to compare the two versions.

3/16/19 (acquired / review)

The Mechanisms of Consequence (2014)

Wow. Talk about never say die! This is the 3rd iteration of the Inner Sanctum / Fifth Season technical metal genealogy and comes 17 years after their last studio album. What we have here is basically what would constitute the 3rd Watchtower album (Alan Tecchio even guests on vocals!) but with those irresistible blazing Mekong Delta riffs propelling it all forward in an exciting way. This is technical thrash at its best. Melodic vocals, crushing riffs, mathematical impossibilities. Yee-haw!

Ownership: 2014 Rebel Tune (CD)

3/28/15 (acquired / review)

3/28/15 (new entry)