After their strong debut EP »The Sign«, Germany’s Heavy Metal Force SINTAGE strikes hard again with their killer debut album »Paralyzing Chains«!
“I met Randy at a GBH gig in Leipzig in 2019,” explains guitarist Julez how SINTAGE, a young traditional heavy metal band from Germany, following in the footsteps of Teutonic upstarts like Blizzen or Stallion, were originally formed. “We got talking about rock music and decided to form our own band right there on the spot.” It was vocalist Randy bringing drummer Andi with him, Marcus took over on bass and SINTAGE were born. Andi was temporarily replaced by Jonas (Tension, Firmament) until Andre was found in the summer of 2021 to complete the first stable line-up of the band.

The same year a self-financed EP entitled »The Sign« was issued on tape (Alone Records from Greece later pressed vinyl and manufactured CDs). As a result, SINTAGE signed to High Roller Records and have just completed their first full-length album »Paralyzing Chains«. “Compared to our EP, we have definitely progressed as a band,” analyses guitarist Julez. “That’s down to the line-up changes and the number of live gigs we have played in 2022. Andi was indeed quite a good drummer but Andre is a class of his own. Compared to the EP the album is more brutish and in parts faster. But all in all we have not changed our recipe, like »The Sign« the new album is once again a mixture of traditional heavy metal and some dirty hard rock.”

Stylistically it’s actually not that easy to pin down what SINTAGE are all about, as they are showcasing a captivating mix of classic Euro Metal, NWOBHM and 80’s US Metal. “That’s true,” confirms guitarist Julez. “I totally agree. When we originally formed, we wanted to follow the direction of W.A.S.P., Quiet Riot and The Rods but eventually the Euro Metal influence was getting more and more prominent.”

Strangely enough, it seems as if some classic Scandinavian metal has been thrown into the mix as well, thinking of bands like Torch or Oz. “That’s quite a cool comparison,” thinks Julez. “We have not heard that one before. But this specific influence probably comes from me listening to a lot of Swedish rock, bands like Gotham City, Rising and also newer stuff like Tyrann or Helvetets Port.”
Apart from Julez’ fine guitar playing, Randy’s individual style of singing is another trademark of the original SINTAGE sound on their debut album »Paralyzing Chains«. “Indeed, Randy is a fantastic singer,” beams Julez. “Right from the very first audition he had a huge impact. His voice is really raspy and raw but on the other hand also quite melodic – and that’s the perfect combination.”

High Roller Records

Review

What an intro for the opening album track Midnight Evil! Its intro is short and sweet but you feel the burning steel! For those listening to Sintage for the first its is easy to hear that Randy’s vocals are memorable splitting this track apart as it continues backed by a stampede of ferocious axes! Theres no slowing down here just a track of of roaring riffage and a belting solo!

Pump those fists from behind the pit barrier to the next song Spirit of the Underground. This is a song choc full of classic metal mayhem with, hard hitting riffs, big ballsy chords and touches of group chants that will get you joining in in no time! And in true Sintage style this is fast and tearing the sky like a firework gone off! Julez delivers some great riffs and a spicy solo that will leave the tastebuds happy!

Get ready for the crack of the whip as you try to tame this next song known as Venom. We get more classic metal riffage served hot by Julez on guitar and a smoking rhythm section rocking it hard (Marcus and Andre). Randy’s vocals are full of feeling and once again are able to tear the track to shreds!

Can you tame the beasts? That is the question with the next song Wild Dogs! Get ready for more hard and heavy melting metal! This track is hungry and foaming at the mouth so get ready to headbang like your life depends on it! Wild Dogs is loaded with powerful ideas and full of monstrous energy! This is one of those songs on the album that could easily be seen as a crowd pleaser. Its easy to imagine being played in a club thats hot and sweaty with every one going nuts!

Unexpectedly Escape the Scythe opens with a short spoken intro before letting off the steam as the track takes full charge ahead! You are given more of the same thing from the previous tracks which is not a bad thing! Though half way you do get a nice tom breakdown and more of the spoken words! Another pounding track that is sure to please the pit goers . This is definitely one of the stronger tracks on the album!

Blazing Desaster is up next and here we have another track that is full attitude and swagger. Once again it follows the style of tracks before as a straight to the point metal banger. Its got some nice little riffs here and there but there are stronger tracks on the album.

Rocking Hard does exactly what the track title says! Prepare for some really Hefty foot stomping and fist pumping to this next song. Rocking Hard breaks the pacing of the album a bit as it is more of a mid tempo number that gives listeners plenty to wave their hair too.

Get ready to feel the burn as Flames of Sin is another sizzler lifted fresh from the fire pit. Full of meat that is moist and tender, Flames of Sin is another great track that won’t let you down for a second ! Kicking up the dust with its double kick volleys and explosive guitar work, there is plenty going on here to caress your ear drums.

Conclusion

For a debut album this is a pretty solid effort. Just like the album cover this record is like a venomous snake ready to bite! If you want a furious heavy metal record that will come at you head on that gives you plenty of moments to headbang in a frenzy and throw the horns than this album is for you!

THENWOTHM score: 7.5/10

#sintage #highrollerrecords #thenwothm