SOLE SYNDICATE - Last Days Of Eden (Scarlet Records)

English:CD-review
  Van Muylem    25 november 2020

Growing up all together and listening to the most famous melodic hard rock and heavy metal bands of the 80’s, the five musicians of this uprising Swedish band managed to revitalize the genre with their 2016 debut album ‘Garden of Eden’. Sole Syndicate’s style can be described as classic hard’n’heavy with strong and catchy melodies (pop and country music are part of the foundation of their song writing too). Their lyrics deal with everything from the state of the world address, politically and environmentally, to the most traditional “rock poetry”. The title of the exciting new album is a reference to what´s happening right now with the ongoing pandemic, rising crime and political instability. Overall, ‘Last days of Eden’ is a brilliant collection of charming hooks, superb vocals and sparkling guitar-solos!


They start with Wake Up and that’s the right title to start an album that rocks like they do. I adore the slice of 80’s hard rock and the smooth vocals. The song is very melodic and the backings gives it something catchy. And The Truth Will Set You Free is a cool rocker with nice lyrics and a sticky touch in the chorus. I also like the backings and the guitar play. The video of this song made me want to review them and that says enough about the quality of this song!

We All Fall Apart is a nice rocker with again this very catchy feel and somehow a retro feel (but can’t find where it is exactly). The softer parts gives it’s a melancholic feel whilst the screaming parts wakes you up whilst the guitar is at its best. Glory Days starts like a country ballad and gets a more rock-minded ballad touch halfway. Somehow I can feel the wind and see a snake and a scorpion nearby and some people trying to shoot at them (but it’s the drummer hitting hard and fast). I adore the melancholic touch in the vocals. We Came To Rock sounds like a perfect live track ( a bit hard right now), but after a fast start the song slows down and gets a sad touch for a while until they give you a ray of sunlight. They are here to help you out whilst rocking. Brothers is a cool rocker with some screams, roaring guitars and hard hitting drums! Pain Is Only An Illusion, well not many people will be amused by this title but at least the song rocks and moves like waves on the sea! Have You Heard It All Before is hard to review as each time I listen to it I loose track of time. It’s a sleazy track with a nice sound. Bring Us An Hero is a melancholic and melodic hit! This might be also a live hit (once it’s possible to perform on stage again). I can see the fists and the arms going up whilst screaming the chorus! Last track is When Darkness Calls and pulls up some clichés whilst rocking in a sleazy way. It’s an epic track and the best ending for this album!

It was fun and I really adore their style, the vocals and the global sound. I even spotted some possible hits and enough potential to get an even bigger fanbase! This band is clearly a winner!