Syrian- Death of a Sun

Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 July 2013 11:52 Written by Pagan Hel

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Artist: Syrian

CD Title: Death of a Sun

Label: Infacted Recordings

Released 12^th July 2013

Genre: Melodic Electro-Pop/Techno/Trance/EBM

Rating: 10/10

Biography

“With "Death of a Sun" the band is delighting us with a new sound, inspired by the great synthpop of the 80's, recorded with vintage analogue gear and yet firmly looking towards the future.

The record contains ten original tracks, all melodic and catchy and with no trace of a filler in sight. From the hi-nrg dance of "Ninja Warrior" and "Dreaming", to the new wave of 'Runner in the Night" and "We Fade Away", all the way to moving ballads such as "Walk into the sun" and "Nuvole": every song is a potential hit.

Intelligent lyrics and an impeccable sound quality complete a record that will leave its mark”

Being in the thick of the sonic synth world back in the 80’s this is one album that I knew I had to review and with good cause being at the start of Depeche Mode’s career and loving their catchy brand of electronica – Syrian are not that far removed, although slightly more electro pop orientated but none the less give the listener some really heartfelt emotional moments to savour.

Track by Track Review:

We Fade Away

This track just sweeps you off your feet with irresistible grooves. It is so reminiscent of the 80’s synth era and brings back some amazing memories for me.

Runner in the Night

The vibrant melodic feel this track resonates is powerful, catchy and solid. I could listen to this constantly and never get bored of it. The invading synth tones just really give it an addictive flavour. The vocals are soft and beautiful and suit the track superbly well.

Dreaming

This reminds me of early Depeche Mode. The bubbling addictiveness keeps pumping with shrill synth notes and hard bass edge you can’t help but want to move to its fabulous rhythms. Superb dance track that has a good attitude with spirals of scintillating melody.

Walk into the Sun

A beautiful ballad with very intelligent lyrics which can be found throughout the entire album. An imaginative track that brings the listener vivid imagery and strokes the ears with an electronic caress.

Fire in your Eyes

Synthesised vocals begin and then it runs away with a mesmeric rhythm that simply has you hooked immediately. A passionate track of more catchy up tempo addiction. An all-round sizzling track of melodic seduction.

Stratosphere

An intense beginning that evens out into a crisp melodic flow of synth that runs the entire length of the keyboard with all the absorbing extras of pure addiction.

Ninja Warrior

Thunderous, sonic, synthetic, electronic moments to be had on this track and another slice of compelling textures that wrap themselves around the ears and leaves one feeling satisfied.

Son of the Sky

A more dark and brooding track with sonic synth notes that fluctuate wildly and with sheer excellence. Devilishly melodic in delivery and beautifully produced. It holds a sheer seduction that is hard to escape from as it unfolds its addictive rhythms.

In the End

A euphoric feeling washes over the listener as the adrenalin fuelled rhythms take hold. Powerfully compelling although it holds a solid rhythmic sway. It is not harsh but still contains plenty of addictive flavours.

Nuvole

A softer ambient brooding of synth here and sung in Italian. It is rich and sends a wave of spine tingling sharp needles down the spine but again caresses with a soft melodic touch, however, I don’t think the track lasts long enough.

To Sum up:

A truly riveting listen from start to finish, it radiates an innocence of the 80’s synth era along with their own slant on the genre with beautiful ballad creations and up tempo dance tracks that are devilishly addictive. My favourite track is “We Fade Away” the vocal harmonies cradle the ears with powerful bubbling tones and wicked synth edge and creates a stunning and absorbing fascination.

There is no half measure with this album it reaches 100% early on and is contagious the more you listen. It brings the 80’s back onto the horizon in no uncertain terms and certainly leaves it mark with a very futuristic promise. The quaint synth sounds are also appealing, adding a palette of extreme colours into the mix, in fact it is a very emotional rollercoaster journey but one worth taking for sure.

I am not normally associated for liking electro-pop, usually going for the more harsher elements of cyber/Industrial but this album however, brings back an almost forgotten era and my ears now refuse to stop listening.

I can’t recommend this enough, it strikes me as being a perfect album, that offers enticing seduction as its melodic waves of vibrant synth takes hold and I am overwhelmed with its beauty.

Take a listen to: "Dreaming"