Review | SynlakrosS – Mental Parasites

Independent Release

The latest album `Mental Parasites’ of SynlakrosS is a formidable and introspective work that exemplifies the band‘s remarkable intensity and evolution. Led by the creative force of vocalist and illustrator Patricia Pons, the band delivers a potent fusion of aggressive metal soundscapes and captivating vocal performances. Pons unleashes her voice with fierce growls and powerful melodies, driving each track forward with an agonizing yet compelling energy. The album’s themes delve into the complexities of mental health, challenging listeners with its provocative lyrics and emotional depth. `Mental Parasites’ not only elevates the band’s artistic vision but also sets a new standard in the metal genre.

A DENSE AND DYNAMIC SOUNDSCAPE 

`Mental Parasites’ delivers a blistering sonic assault that showcases the band’s musical prowess and emotional depth. The album’s frenetic energy is driven by an intensely tight-knit instrumental foundation, with Pablo Fuentes’ growling low bass lines and Dan Shurak‘s relentless drumming providing a solid rhythmic core. Guitarists Iván Munoz and Aarón Hidalgo weave intricate patterns of buzzsaw riffs and scorching licks, creating a dense and dynamic soundscape.

At the forefront of this musical maelstrom is Patricia Pons, whose vocal performance is nothing short of extraordinary. Her versatility shines throughout the album, seamlessly transitioning from guttural growls to piercing screams and moments of clean melodic singing. Pons’ delivery breathes life into the introspective and raw explicit lyrics, tackling a variety of complex emotions and mental health issues with unflinching honesty and downright confronting wordplay.

THE VOCAL PERFORMANCE

It is certainly one of the standout elements of this album; the vocal performance. Pons’ powerful and emotive delivery elevates each track, demonstrating why SynlakrosS is challenging the current top female-fronted metal acts, while blasting the sound waves and inflating anger and infuriated blisses of agony and stride. Her guttural growls and piercing screams propel songs like the blazing groove monster ,,Cherry on Top”, the double base furious ,,Bunnies and Bows” with its corky mid-section and mega melodic chorus. Its frantic delivery and low growls are spiraling. The roaring ,,Freak” is progressive intense with pummeling drums and intense screams and aggressive. Popping like hell ,,Popcorn” plays between childish vocals and growling heavy phrasing.

With clean vocals resonating amidst her anger-laden accolades, Pons displays the same versatility and radiant charisma. Thrashing up things amidst the melodic chorus and bridge, ,,Drama Queen” leaves no room for interpretation. The songs swings moods with its sonic spheres contrasting. In this light ,,Dickhead” leaves no room for discussion, being the most experimental in their catalogue. Exploring mega melodic harmonies and thrashing drums, the song develops firing on multiple engines, shifting shape constantly. Punk and thrash blended with speed metal all mixed into the melodic ingredients upholding when the slow doom is unleashed. Piercing guitars with high pitched licks to accompany the wonderful guitar solo make the song gel like Faith No More on acid. Awesome calling card for cross-over addicts going for the death metal extreme.

MENTAL BREAKDOWN

Slower paced the rip-roaring agony of ,,Paranoid” radiates a kaleidoscopic tone with a doom-laden atmosphere lurking underneath Patricia’s crooning and horror-packed gravelly vocals. Droning even a ton lower the closing ,,Razor Blade” is even cinematic with Pons flexing her most melodic vocals over the jagged riff and dynamic polyrhythmic drums. Never heard her sing this impressively clean, discharging the most guttural roars to counterbalance. There’s just no in-between for Pons on this tune.

Exploring the widest sonic scope yet, ,,Mental Breakdown” evokes its lyrical content with an eerie luring suspense as Pons psychedelic rapped vocal delivery is rooted in the song’s dark synthetic texture. It’s a psyche play on words and instrumentation. Yes, it even features an acoustic section and cinematic sound effects.

SYNLAKROSS – THE CONCLUSION

`Mental Parasites’ is an intense and immersive listening experience that leaving a lasting impression. The album’s ability to drain yet satisfy the listener speaks to its emotional depth and musical complexity. It’s a significant step forward for SynlakrosS, showcasing their willingness to tackle challenging themes.

While the album may be intense and at times emotionally heavy, it offers a cathartic experience for listeners who appreciate raw honesty in their music. `Mental Parasites’ cements SynlakrosS’s position as a formidable and scorching force in the metal scene.

Release date: 3 October 2024