This is not the fisrt time I encounter the work of syn.terra, but with every release the artists shows a differend side of their polyhedric creativity, therefore it is impossible to have clear expectations. The opening track, named "The Recondite Equation" it's already a surprise. The suffocating atmospheres of the other releases are swiped away by the lively chords of an electric piano, supported by heavily effected percussions and by a hypnotic bassline, resulting in something that you could hear in a jazz club from a different dimension. We float around the electric space, getting accustomed to the softer side of syn.terra. The second track, "Oregano Mortis", takes a step back towards the more industrial/metal sounds of the previous albums, with incursions of rhythm guitar and more acidic synths, but the atmosphere is still relaxed and oneiric. The piano arpeggios duel with the distorted leads in a perfect equilibrium of light and darkness, yin and yang, no one prevails and no one is defeated. The final track "Scannerburn" is introduced by some hi-tech sounds that softly crawl around the listener like digital snakes, whith the rhythm section that slowly builds up and keeps the energy steady. The familiar sound of the electric organ that we had met in the previous albums makes an appearance, getting the spotlight for a good chunk of the mid section. The melodies are bluesy, the heads are boppin' and the feet are tapping. When the last track is over, we are definitely left with the desire to hear more. This new work shows a great balance of familiar elements and novelty, another successful step in the evolution of this peculiar creator. It might be the best album to approach syn.terra if you are not used to heavy music. Absolutely recommended.
