Album Review: Sonic Syndicate - Sonic Syndicate

Despite considerable buzz, these perennially underachieving Swedes struggle to stay afloat in a sea of mediocrity. Nonetheless, they’ll likely locate an audience.

Black Hole Halo and Catching Fire less than subtly reinforce their melodic metalcore’s knack for a hook. Often infectious, albeit not entirely convincing; too sanitised, lyrically trite and even derivative (The Flame That Changed The World) to properly resonate. Before You Finally Break’s grooves are accompanied by Soilwork frontman ‘Speed’ Strid, effectively complementing Nathan Biggs’ energetic delivery. However, said track magnifies Sonic Syndicate’s primary shortcoming, smacking of a cut–price version of their heroes.