Love and Other Disasters (CD - 2008)

Sonic Syndicate: Richard Sjunnesson, Roland Johansson (vocals); Robin Sjunnesson, Roger Sjunnesson (guitar); Karin Axelsson (bass instrument); John "Runken" Bengtsson (drum).

Sweden's Sonic Syndicate has long been playing catch-up to their compatriots In Flames and Soilwork, but the mature, elegantly constructed LOVE AND OTHER DISASTERS may well have finally put them over the top. They've successfully synthesized classic twisting leads, death metal complexity and power, and synth-abetted melody. Songs like "Hellgate: Worcester" find room for both whiplash guitars and soaring keyboards that subtly recall 1980s new wavers like OMD in their glittering grandeur. "Contradiction" goes even further, coming as close to radio rock as Sonic Syndicate dares, and it's an admirable stretch. minimize