Poland’s Pagan Records did not have to go far to farm their fellow countrymen Gortal from their own back yard. Occasionally the “homeboy syndrome” clouds a label heads judgement and I’m happy to say that does not appear to be the case with Gortal. These fuckers and this recording deserve the contract.

When I put the disc in the player I began reading the bio on the back of the promotional copy I was given and was bored to fuck and back by the hell hot dryness of that write up, luckily the music kicked in and I was back in the game. Right now I’m going to do what I accuse lazy reviewers of doing and go with some easy comparisons. Vocals remind me of Deicide, musically it’s a mish mash of Vader, Immolation, and a heavy dose of Morbid Angel. Far less speed reliant than the amazing and like minded Angel Corpse, but also not nearly as special. What is on hand is a lot of mid paced segments broken up by some amazingly quick (fake?) footwork on the drummers part during the more hell-paced portions. It’s almost like these Poles are playing USDM filtered through their own country’s strong metal heritage. They claim to be straddling the line between old school and new school and I suppose that is pretty accurate, it appeals to my old ass as well as my coworker who is 12 years my junior who I exposed to this. We don’t agree on shit normally.

I’m going to do some nit picking to wrap up this review. The production is thick/heavy and each instrument is highlighted amply, but with this particular style of DM I could have gone for a more raw approach. It took over 2 years to record this album and perhaps a little too much spit was used on the shine. I’m also 95% sure some beat replacements and enhancements were utilized on the drums. Not at all uncommon in this day and age, I just feel it’s worth mentioning because shit is “too” perfect. Mechanical.

 I also feel like the sterility may have zapped some of the “evil” or “dark” essence that are synonymous with the best bands of the genre like Immolation or Incantation, so it falls a little short in that category.
Don’t let that shit dissuade you from checking this out, I think it’s a satisfying listen in a style that I rarely unearth new gems within. I also have to mention the album title. If English is a distant second language then you should not attempt to get tricky with it. I assume Sindecade is a play on Syndicate, but it’s not funny, it’s not fun.

In summation: It ain’t perfect and it’s pretty fucking derivative but, fuck it man, it’s around 30 mins of some quality Polish death metal. Don’t forget to close the screen door on the submarine.

[Visit the band's website]

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