Review by JD on December 22, 2012.

Lets be truthful here, dark and nasty metal and Norway go together so fucking well, sort of like Pizza and beer on a hot day. Many of my own personal inflences in the music I love and create comes from where my forefathers came from, and I for one celebrate my lineage every time I pick up my bass and play.

Syrach (meaning Wisdom of Jesus) is a Doom Metal band from Bergen Norway. Some describe them as Doom/Death Metal, but I will have to disagree with that description. There is Death Metal elements in their music, but there is so much more. There is some Prog stylings, dashes of NWOBHM era pieces and even some slowed down Black Metal elements that seem to combine to give this band its thundering sound. I hear Candlemass, and even some Pale Divine in the sound... but as a whole, they are original.

Songs like 'A Death Tear' and 'Are You Able To Breath Fire?' are heavier than most bands stuff ever is, yet I hear this combination of melodic riffs and intelligence that seems to lift them above many. I love the looming feel of the arrangements that they use so effectively, adding in female voice in some songs to add character to the more nasty growl of the main vocalist. The resulting music is a feast for the ears that breaths what metal is. Even the recording of this album is stellar and just takes a amazing band into the phenomenal category.

Saying this straight out of my metallic heart: this is Norwegian Doom Metal that makes total sense and is so damned good. You all got to go out and buy it!!! You’ll never regret it if you do, it is that damn good!

My mission here is done, now for a cold one before I go on to the next album to review.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9.5
Originality: 9
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.5 out of 10