Even though I am not a real fan of the Italian Metal scene, several cases of high quality music from our neighbors have made me learn my lesson and not talk before I get a taste of what's to come. As you already understood SYMBOLYC is an Italian band, although I don't know exactly what kind of Metal they play. Oh wait, here's the promo sheet with the information I need...

Hmmm, the band is alive since 2003 and has released three demo CD's and one full-length album on their own. The fact is that the full-length album they self released is Engraved In Flesh, but a year after its actual release the band re-releases it through My Kingdom Music.

As their bio says, they started as a more Thrash/Death Metal band with influences from bands like TESTAMENT and KREATOR. Then they came closer to the Swedish Death Metal scene, as well as the sound of bands like DEATH and CARCASS. Now, as they say they have ended up playing something close to the Polish Death Metal scene and to acts like BEHEMOTH, DECAPITATED and VADER...

First of all, this made me already see this band in a not so pleasant way. I mean, it's kind of stupid saying that you changed three music styles in three releases. Anyway, Engraved In Flesh is not exactly what SYMBOLYC claim it is, since I noticed many Thrash Metal influences in their sound. If there is something Polish here, it is definitely VADER, with their Death Metal version of SLAYER. Actually, this is what these Italians are somehow trying to do, but in lower tempos and not so catchy riffs. The music is not bad, but it is not something that will make you stay focused until the end of this album. Vocals we have heard a million times, programmed drums with a sound that ends up being kind of irritating at times (personal opinion), and riffs that just aren't good enough to differ...

Not bad, but boring after some listening sessions. I guess these guys can do more, but that's something the future will prove.