Review by Fernando on November 20, 2023.

Being bombastic and over-the-top isn’t all that out of place for metal, many bands lean heavily into those musical extremes and indulgences, and for the most part it works out just fine. I bring this up because this new record by Belarusian folk metal band Synaxaria is a perfect example of bombast.

Synaxaria is a name I wasn’t previously familiar with but looking them up and their background for this review made it clear why their brand of folk metal, which they also combine with gothic metal, is so exuberant, at least from the impression this record gave me. They started out as an industrial goth metal band before ditching the industrial elements and focusing on folk instrumentation and melodies. And this record in particular goes ham with its folkish overtones.

So yeah, this will definitely not be everyone’s cup of tea, the four minute intro track that’s a very Wagnerian synth march with percussion, sounds of battle and vocalist Dzmitry Kramoushchanka raspy and enunciating vocals sets the stage for what’s a very weird, very over-the-top and also anachronistically modern sounding and produced record, that features both the aforementioned folk instrumentation and gothic leanings, but also with death metal styled pitch harmonics and Manowar-styled classic heavy metal riffs and soloing, and their previous experience with industrial music really informs the music’s more flamboyant moments as the music in places reminds me of Slovenian military popsters Laibach but with fiddles and horns instead of cold synths. On paper that sounds like a mess of contradictions, but surprisingly, not only do they make it work, they’re also good at it.

So, the big factor as to why this record is very good in spite of its excesses is consistency and commitment. From beginning to end the band stick with their sound which they describe as romantic melodic metal, and commit to the aesthetic that the music conjures, which is the stories and true tales of their country. The heroes and and their feats, and how many other countries left their mark on Belarus for better or worse, as each song is the soundtrack of those stories, so the presence of folk instrumentation and heavy synths not only makes sense musically but also conceptually. Furthermore the band are damn good performers and songwriters, as none of the songs overstay their welcome, nor are they monotonous. This is very much a record for the music geeks that notice compositions and dynamics.

The bulk of the instruments and songwriting is handled by Dzmitry Kramoushchanka, with the exception of drums which are handled by Alyaxey Hladysh and Natallia Kramoushchanka who offers some operatic vocals for the more glorious and symphonic moments. And yes, they all sell it, even if Dzmitry is the principal performer here, without the drums or Natallia’s vocals this probably wouldn’t sound as good as it does, which is all rounded by the production which is suitably clean for this style of very melodic and catchy metal.

The only gripe I have with this record is that it’s novelty and bombast diminishes on repeated listens, while I have a lot of respect and admiration at the band’s commitment to their music, this style of very flamboyant and exuberant metal can get old really fast, and while it's nowhere near as cheesy and saccharin as a 80’s hair metal or the power metal of Alestorm and Gloryhammer, this is still a style of metal that’s best enjoyed in small doses. But again, I have to point out and praise that the band are in fact very serious and nail the landing for this record’s music and concept, while also maintaining a sense of fun that’s very pleasantly infectious. So even if I don’t completely vibe with the album, it was still a great experience from beginning to end and there’s a lot to enjoy. If you’re into power metal or folk and want something that has more poise than the latest Hammerfall, then for sure check this record out.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review by Jeger on June 11, 2025.

It appears the Finns have done it again… What a celebratory year it has been thus far for Finnish Black Metal. We've had the pleasure of taking in top shelf records like Sargeist's "Flame Within Flame", "Chapel of Bones" by Beleth's Trumpet and Warmoon Lord's third LP, "Sacrosanct Demonopathy". What Suomi brings to the battle is conventional yet formidable steel: steeped in tradition, unwavering in its purity and unparalleled in its character. Quite simply put, the Land of a Thousand Lakes honorably boasts the greatest school of Black Metal on Earth. No major record labels, no bullshit, only underground music that bears the torch for true Black Metal. From Impaled Nazarene to Horna to the aforementioned Warmoon Lord, a scene with rich a history and with unyielding principles.

Finland's Warmoon Lord, born unto the mark of war back in 2019, is a new entity on the scene, but the respect they've earned in just six years has been enough to catapult the duo to the top of the underground alongside projects such as Satanic Warmaster and Sargeist. And they've earned it by releasing records akin to their latest, the aforementioned "Sacrosanct Demonopathy", which was unveiled on May 25 via Werewolf Records. Striding along during "Invoking The Retribution Eidolon" as if upon a mighty steed racing its way towards the battlefield; the clash of iron upon iron ringing with an ominous sort of glory. Lightning tremolos set to razor sharp blast-beats that carry over into galloping cadences. Victory just outside your grasp but most assuredly redeemable. The apex of Black Metal craftsmanship being displayed and its only the second track.

This is not your typical crusty recorded-in-a-dungeon type of underground Black Metal. There's a velvety plushness to the record's production quality and each phase rips through it authoritatively; creating a delightful offset. Mixed to perfection, but most certainly not sanitized and epic is the way here: Heroically epic and triumphant but in a stoic way. Nothing pretentious or gaudy, only the sound of true Finnish Black Metal to arouse your senses and to tantalize the Devil inside. During the halfway point of the album, you'll imbibe a sweet lulling elixir of sound in the intro to "Uncreation's Dragon". Following this soft touch, the tempo picks up; building into aggressive sonic currents until you find yourself right back in fury's grip. Shades of classic Borgir liven the atmosphere into a resuscitated state: elegant keyboard elements drift into the hollow of the environment. Godlike vocalizations bear over you like Odin over some feeble village.

The most impressive cut on the record comes by way of the intricately riffed "His Enigmatic Ways". An ode to the Lightbringer? Could be, and He would undoubtedly find himself in awe, in tune with the offered energy and soaring through the crepuscular morning luminance. The dagger comes in the form of "Torche Of Magickal Arte". "Sacrosanct Demonopathy" ends in the same fashion as it began; in victorious instrumental fashion. A beautiful closer to a perfect recording. Doesn't get better than this! This is by far Warmoon Lord's crowning achievement, and that speaks volumes, as the two preceding albums are just stellar. A soon-to-be institution is WL. Behold as they enter into the mid of the annual with such austerity and with such class. Damn, Black Metal record of the year material! Most definitely the finest album I've reviewed all year. Kudos… Here's to Black Metal perfection! Here's to Warmoon Lord…

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Jeger on June 11, 2025.

It appears the Finns have done it again… What a celebratory year it has been thus far for Finnish Black Metal. We've had the pleasure of taking in top shelf records like Sargeist's "Flame Within Flame", "Chapel of Bones" by Beleth's Trumpet and Warmoon Lord's third LP, "Sacrosanct Demonopathy". What Suomi brings to the battle is conventional yet formidable steel: steeped in tradition, unwavering in its purity and unparalleled in its character. Quite simply put, the Land of a Thousand Lakes honorably boasts the greatest school of Black Metal on Earth. No major record labels, no bullshit, only underground music that bears the torch for true Black Metal. From Impaled Nazarene to Horna to the aforementioned Warmoon Lord, a scene with rich a history and with unyielding principles.

Finland's Warmoon Lord, born unto the mark of war back in 2019, is a new entity on the scene, but the respect they've earned in just six years has been enough to catapult the duo to the top of the underground alongside projects such as Satanic Warmaster and Sargeist. And they've earned it by releasing records akin to their latest, the aforementioned "Sacrosanct Demonopathy", which was unveiled on May 25 via Werewolf Records. Striding along during "Invoking The Retribution Eidolon" as if upon a mighty steed racing its way towards the battlefield; the clash of iron upon iron ringing with an ominous sort of glory. Lightning tremolos set to razor sharp blast-beats that carry over into galloping cadences. Victory just outside your grasp but most assuredly redeemable. The apex of Black Metal craftsmanship being displayed and its only the second track.

This is not your typical crusty recorded-in-a-dungeon type of underground Black Metal. There's a velvety plushness to the record's production quality and each phase rips through it authoritatively; creating a delightful offset. Mixed to perfection, but most certainly not sanitized and epic is the way here: Heroically epic and triumphant but in a stoic way. Nothing pretentious or gaudy, only the sound of true Finnish Black Metal to arouse your senses and to tantalize the Devil inside. During the halfway point of the album, you'll imbibe a sweet lulling elixir of sound in the intro to "Uncreation's Dragon". Following this soft touch, the tempo picks up; building into aggressive sonic currents until you find yourself right back in fury's grip. Shades of classic Borgir liven the atmosphere into a resuscitated state: elegant keyboard elements drift into the hollow of the environment. Godlike vocalizations bear over you like Odin over some feeble village.

The most impressive cut on the record comes by way of the intricately riffed "His Enigmatic Ways". An ode to the Lightbringer? Could be, and He would undoubtedly find himself in awe, in tune with the offered energy and soaring through the crepuscular morning luminance. The dagger comes in the form of "Torche Of Magickal Arte". "Sacrosanct Demonopathy" ends in the same fashion as it began; in victorious instrumental fashion. A beautiful closer to a perfect recording. Doesn't get better than this! This is by far Warmoon Lord's crowning achievement, and that speaks volumes, as the two preceding albums are just stellar. A soon-to-be institution is WL. Behold as they enter into the mid of the annual with such austerity and with such class. Damn, Black Metal record of the year material! Most definitely the finest album I've reviewed all year. Kudos… Here's to Black Metal perfection! Here's to Warmoon Lord…

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Jeger on June 11, 2025.

It appears the Finns have done it again… What a celebratory year it has been thus far for Finnish Black Metal. We've had the pleasure of taking in top shelf records like Sargeist's "Flame Within Flame", "Chapel of Bones" by Beleth's Trumpet and Warmoon Lord's third LP, "Sacrosanct Demonopathy". What Suomi brings to the battle is conventional yet formidable steel: steeped in tradition, unwavering in its purity and unparalleled in its character. Quite simply put, the Land of a Thousand Lakes honorably boasts the greatest school of Black Metal on Earth. No major record labels, no bullshit, only underground music that bears the torch for true Black Metal. From Impaled Nazarene to Horna to the aforementioned Warmoon Lord, a scene with rich a history and with unyielding principles.

Finland's Warmoon Lord, born unto the mark of war back in 2019, is a new entity on the scene, but the respect they've earned in just six years has been enough to catapult the duo to the top of the underground alongside projects such as Satanic Warmaster and Sargeist. And they've earned it by releasing records akin to their latest, the aforementioned "Sacrosanct Demonopathy", which was unveiled on May 25 via Werewolf Records. Striding along during "Invoking The Retribution Eidolon" as if upon a mighty steed racing its way towards the battlefield; the clash of iron upon iron ringing with an ominous sort of glory. Lightning tremolos set to razor sharp blast-beats that carry over into galloping cadences. Victory just outside your grasp but most assuredly redeemable. The apex of Black Metal craftsmanship being displayed and its only the second track.

This is not your typical crusty recorded-in-a-dungeon type of underground Black Metal. There's a velvety plushness to the record's production quality and each phase rips through it authoritatively; creating a delightful offset. Mixed to perfection, but most certainly not sanitized and epic is the way here: Heroically epic and triumphant but in a stoic way. Nothing pretentious or gaudy, only the sound of true Finnish Black Metal to arouse your senses and to tantalize the Devil inside. During the halfway point of the album, you'll imbibe a sweet lulling elixir of sound in the intro to "Uncreation's Dragon". Following this soft touch, the tempo picks up; building into aggressive sonic currents until you find yourself right back in fury's grip. Shades of classic Borgir liven the atmosphere into a resuscitated state: elegant keyboard elements drift into the hollow of the environment. Godlike vocalizations bear over you like Odin over some feeble village.

The most impressive cut on the record comes by way of the intricately riffed "His Enigmatic Ways". An ode to the Lightbringer? Could be, and He would undoubtedly find himself in awe, in tune with the offered energy and soaring through the crepuscular morning luminance. The dagger comes in the form of "Torche Of Magickal Arte". "Sacrosanct Demonopathy" ends in the same fashion as it began; in victorious instrumental fashion. A beautiful closer to a perfect recording. Doesn't get better than this! This is by far Warmoon Lord's crowning achievement, and that speaks volumes, as the two preceding albums are just stellar. A soon-to-be institution is WL. Behold as they enter into the mid of the annual with such austerity and with such class. Damn, Black Metal record of the year material! Most definitely the finest album I've reviewed all year. Kudos… Here's to Black Metal perfection! Here's to Warmoon Lord…

Rating: 10 out of 10