SYNDEMIC is a Progressive/Melodic Death Metal band, based out of Hamburg, Germany. The band formed in 2011, and following a Demo release in 2012, released their debut full-length "For Those in Desperation" in 2014. "Annihilate the I" is their newest 2017 release, and contains nine tracks. Let's get to some of the highlights. "Amaurosis" is the opening track. The Death vocal style varies here and the rhythms seem to be the driving forces for the song. Heavy, Proggy thuds strike at the bottom end and a gloomy sound ensues. The lead guitar parts provide a melody over top. "Into the Oblivion" has a nice soft opening, and then slams in hard with a prolonged scream. The riff is aggressive and some expert crafting is evident from the way they use melody to connect the various passages in the track. "Exileseeker" has some great little ambient passages that break up the heaviness nicely. The violin is lovely as well. The bass and drums work very well together in this song-a solid united front.

"Ruins" is a great track. That subdued, muffled opening leads to the sound of despair, painting a gray landscape. The heavy, chugging rhythm is bossy and assertive, and again with some help from lead guitar parts to push some melody into the fold. "Carnal Sedation" opens with some groove in the main riff, something that you can engage in. The guitars whisper for a while, setting the tone, before it comes charging fully at you. The song weeps beneath a gruff exterior, and this dynamism is a good recipe for a memorable moment. Great job on the fade out at the end as well. "Mist of Singularity" closes the album. The cello and string notes are haunting and beautiful at the same time, until the main riff marches in, with deep vocals. The song has a nice balance between aggression and melody, one of the most pleasing features of the genre for me for sure. Throw in some ambiance to help set the mood and you have a very good track.

Overall, it's a solid album, in the tradition of the genre but with some modern features to keep it fresh. Sometimes the pacing was a little too similar from track to track for me however...it keeps the mood somber which always makes for good music, but can also keep the excitement factor from poking out here and there as well. Still, an enjoyable listen for sure.