NEGLECTED FIELDS
Latvia hardly seems like a country that brings to mind Metal music let alone something this accomplished and skilled. NEGLECTED FIELDS (love the name) are that unique, obscure band from that far away land that garners virtually no mention in Metal circles. Synthinity was a surprising catch however. Once again, gratitude to my contributor John who introduced me to the band. So what's Synthinity all about?I suppose that my successive listens have led me to draw comparisons with long gone legends CYNIC. Perhaps NEGLECTED FIELDS are not so bent on creating that strange, otherworldly feel that CYNIC did but they have written some moderately complex material for this album that is sure to please most fans of complex and technical Death Metal alike. The album is a mid-paced, intricately balanced and methodical arrangement of sharp, winding riffs and snarling vocal diatribes. There are instances of sudden wells of depth that seem to rise and fall like the tides, creating the unpredictability so important in the creation of an original product. Quite evidently, Synthinity is an undertaking that required time, effort, efficiency and creativity. You won't likely ingest the album in one sitting and its probable you'll need to keep returning to it to finally grasp its far reaching ambition. There isn't necessarily a huge attempt at experimentation other than some ethnic flavors that emerge on occasion and the appearance of female operatic vocals that honestly don't seem to work on the whole. What really has me spinning this album regularly is the instrumental execution, especially the drumming, which has you guessing every step of the way. Nice work indeed!
Synthinity sounds a bit ahead of its time given its year of release. You are more likely to hear this sort of eclectic Death Metal being fashioned these days. This illustrates the pioneering inventiveness of the band. Credit them that much alone and seek this as you are challenged to do so if you value good, intricate Death Metal played with pride and thoughtfulness.
