Debuting from Oslo, Norway, Syndexioi presents us with their first full length album filled with nostalgic meditations of the past, Sol Begravd. This is a very interesting album and it’s not like others I’ve listened to before. Mixing ambient dungeon synth with doom metal sensibilities is a mix I never thought could work so well together. So much diversity fit within just forty minutes is really impressive as this album really drew me in with its rather mystical nature.
The slow start is simply par for the course with this album. It’s an album that has a slow and steady pace, letting you immerse yourself in the ancient world they’re bringing you in. The clever use of the production here is fantastic. Thanks to the synths and the different guitar tones that are able to really create a dream-like effect to the whole album, it draws you into this ancient dreamlike state. Brining you to bronze age Scandinavia. Much of the guitar passages range from melodic ambient pieces to more traditional metal and doom like riffing that, thanks to the production, have a very ethereal feel to it all. While scarce, the drumming does its job well, keeping that slow and steady pace, but picking up now and then delivering the blast beats we all know and love. There are hushed vocals throughout the album as well. They’re hard to pick up on but add this dark overall feeling. As said on their Bandcamp page ‘The faintest reverberations of an ancient whisper’ is the perfect way to describe them, and such eloquently put as well.
I loved this album right off the bat. The perfect balance of the aesthetic, concept, and overall musicality is just executed so well. I’ve found this to be a rather easy listening album for myself. Perfect for late nights relaxing while reading a book or perhaps indulging in some sort of fantasy RPG. There weren’t any drawbacks I can say about it personally. Even the slow and steady pace of the album only helps benefit the tales that can be spun with each track. It’s an immersive experience I feel. Albums like these I personally find are somewhat hard to come by. It’s not often that an album really drives the imagination and has such a strong imagery thanks to the song writing. But those ones that do really stand out to me personally and this will go down as a favorite of mine for sure. Strange and unique and cannot be pigeon holed into one category. I’ve heard people describe Sol Begravd as ‘black metal’ or ‘doom metal’ but, it only does it a disservice thanks to all the baggage those labels have attached to it. If given a listen you’ll find that there’s a little bit of all that, plus the artist’s own unique approach.
I wholeheartedly endorse this album and would suggest it to those who’re fans of more cerebral albums. Slower paced and atmospheric with a little bit of psychedelia involved just creates for such a unique experience. Add that to the faster paced drum and guitar sections that do have this almost black metal tinge to it but, keeping it only for the special moments just make it all that much more enjoyable and memorable. I’ll be finding myself coming back to this album over and over again.