To Become Death
Germany is perhaps the home of power metal with its creator, Helloween, hailing from those very shores. Although Symphorce have toured with the power metal likes of Sonata Arctica, Kamelot and Grave Digger, the band have more in common with thrash and good honest metal rather than their power metal peers.
The actual music on this disc is along the same ilk as bands such as Nevermore and Communic. The guitar riffs are edgy with a gloriously meaty production. Songs such as 'Ancient Prophecies' and 'Death Has Come,' contain quality riffage that utilises the open strings extremely well giving the songs pace and a scything sound. The songs change slightly when they reach their choruses. They move from their power thrash tendencies to the dark power metal etchings of the likes of Brainstorm. In fact their similarity to Brainstorm is frighteningly close, and although the choruses are brushed with a certain haunting appeal, I couldn't get away from their sonic proximity to the excellent German band. It was at this point that I did some research on Symphorce and the first thing I found out was Symphorce's singer was indeed Brainstorm's vocalist 'Andy B. Frank,' which is probably why there are similarities between the two bands (He's a busy lad). Andy's vocals are a little harsher and gruffer on Symphorce which caused me to miss the initial connection, but they are perfectly suited for this heavier style of metal. He excels on 'Lost but Found', and the too damn catchy 'In The Hopes of a Dream' is a vocal treat.
It would be easy to argue that 'Become Death' strays a little too near to its influences, Nevermore and Brainstorm particularly, but this isn't where the disc falls down. If it wasn't for the three songs at the heart of this album, 'Inside The Cast,' 'No Final Words to Say' and 'Towards The Light,' then 'Become Death' would probably make it into my top ten albums of the year. These songs let the side down like a vegetarian at a meat eating contest. I'm all for variation on albums but from the thrashy assault of the first four tracks, 'Inside The Cast' and 'No Final Words to Say' come across as a half baked Sisters of Mercy and stutter the flow and feel built up at the start of the album. The latter utilises a slow one chord chug that bands tend to use when they've used up all their good ideas. The riff isn't a terrible one just generic and easy to write, as is the guitar work in 'Towards the Light'. All three tracks sound uninspired and as if they're going through the motions especially when the superb 'Ancient Prophecies' rips in after them and almost takes your face off. The difference in energy and attitude is incredible and it's a shame the listener has to suffer these three songs before the album gets back on track.
Because of these weak moments 'Become Death' is somewhat of a flawed classic. Had the band dropped at least two of these tracks and kept it to a succinct and punchy eight songs then this album would be fantastic. In fact as it stands this long player is a cracker that delivers on several levels. It's brutal in places, subtle in others, catchy, melodic and contains enough pace to create a fervour of energy. If you're a fan of any of the aforementioned bands then I seriously think you should check out this band, but beware of the fillers, however this isn't a reason not to sit up and take notice. If they can only keep their song-writing consistent then they'll surely be a 'Phorce' to be reckoned with.