Synaptik: Justify and Reason

Here is one that may have gone unnoticed at the time of its release. The band is Synaptik, based out of Norwich, England and formed in 2012. In 2015 they released their debut album titled The Mechanisms Of Consequence and followed that with their sophomore effort Justify and Reason in 2018. First things first. If you are into progressive metal Justify and Reason will be well worth your time. Playing on the album are:

John Knight (vocals)
Kev Jackson (Bass)
Ian Knight (guitar)
Jack Murton (lead guitar)
Pete Loades (drums)
Guest musicians:
Steve Bingley (keyboards on “I Am The Ghost�)
Meyrick De La Fuente (vocals on “The Incredible Machine�)
Alan Tecchio (vocals on “Your Cold Dead Trace�)

This band has an epic sound which really hits home in the opening track “The Incredible Machine�. A huge drum and guitar rhythm, complete with starts and stops, changing tempos, and massive lead vocals. The band inject brief mellow interludes and the chorus features Knight’s melodically soaring vocals. Lyrically the band touches on the intricacies of the human brain and whether our lives are driven by predetermination and the role of nature versus nurture. “White Circles� features a diverse vocal arrangement with cleans and occasional growls, galloping grooves, cool pace changes, and a soaring and melodic guitar solo. A crazy rhythmic intro leads into heavy progressive metal and another catchy chorus on the delightful “Human/Inhuman� and with “Conscience�, the heaviness continues with impressive guitar shred and mind-bending instrumental virtuosity.

One of the strongest aspects of this release is the ability of the band to incorporate catchy choruses with such incredible instrumental dexterity. Apparently, the band is searching for a new bass player and a new album is in the works. I wish the band all the success they most surely deserve. Recommended!

Track Listing:
1. The Incredible Machine
2. Human/Inhuman
3. Conscience
4. White Circles
5. Esc Ctrl
6. A Man Dies
7. As I Am As I Was
8. I Am The Ghost (Intro)
9. Your Cold Dead Trace

Added: December 21st 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Facebook
Hits: 401
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]