Swedish Melodic Death Metal. There are many different bands, each with it's own signature sound/style, that come to mind when that "sub-category" is mentioned. And it's almost a given that it will be the new "home" for newcomers Sonic Syndicate.
Their Nuclear Blast debut, 'Only Inhuman', has all the general stylings necessary to qualify it as being exactly that, however, it does have it's own unique flavor to it. On top of that, the range of influences that are present on the album step outside the confines of "Swedish Melodic Death Metal". Having two frontmen is not entirely unique, nor is having a female bass player. Many bands have been there, done that. What does separate Sonic Syndicate from the rest, is the styles they have managed to merge into one cohesive sound.
Both vocalists can scream their asses off, and are equally capable with their cleans. This is the main factor in setting the band apart from just about every other melodic death metal band out there, whether they're from Sweden or Norway, The UK, or even the U.S for that matter. With most bands coming off sounding like Alexi Laiho, Anders Friden, or Bjorn "Speed" Strid respectively, vocalists Roland Johansson and Richard Sjunnesson manage to set themselves apart, to a small degree. While at times they do sound more like Speed than any of the others, it's when the songs kick into the pre-choruses and main choruses, and they incorporate more "dirty singing" than screaming, that hints of different (potential) influences start to emerge. This is where they also manage to obtain a more signature sound.
Musically, Sonic Syndicate isn't lacking in any area. The guitar riffs of Roger and Robin Sjunnesson are razor sharp. Similarly, drummer John Bengtsson is extremely capable behind the kit. The Fear Factory-esque lock-step precision is undeniable, and along with Karin (Axelsson) on Bass, they manage to lay down a wicked foundation for the rest of the guys to lock into.
The extremely catchy, soaring anthemic choruses (not unlike Soilwork and even Killswitch Engage), Dual vocal screams, awesome vocal harmonizing, and the beautiful acoustic breaks that appear from time to time throughout the duration of the album, are other factors that should help get this album into the hands of fans that have been looking for all of the above. .
