Release Date: 14th May 2022
Label: Floga Records
Genre: Black Metal

Tracklist:
1. Tower Of Koth
2. Emblem Of Yith
3. Nymph of the Pyramids pt. 1 – The Reign
4. Nymph of the Pyramids pt. 2 – The Curse
5. Escaping Atheron
6. Harvest The Forest
7. Into the Abyss – A Passage to Insanity
8. The Secret Last Syllable
9. Omega-Alpha

Line-up:
Septis – Bass
Drakon Hesperion – Guitars
Amdusias – Drums
Nyctelios – Vocals
Cronios – Guitars

Review by Felin Frost

Rate: 8,5/10

Greek black metal has undoubtedly always stood out for its belligerent and mysticism. A routine doesn’t apply here. Joining the ranks of established names such as Rotting Christ, Varathron and Thou Art Lord in 2015, Synteleia was born. The band was formed by guitarist Drakon Hesperion and vocalist Nyctelios.
Since their demo, Astral Blasphemies, released in 2016, and subsequently many live performances, Synteliea has begun to build its fame among the gods of the Hellenic black metal.
In 2019 came the debut album, Ending of the Unknown Path. This album shows maturity, fresh riffs and dynamic sound structures. A highly gratifying Greek black metal album, melodic and all ambitious.
On 14th May, Synteleia released the sophomore album, The Secret Last Syllable. The current line-up, responsible for another majestic album, is formed by Nyctelios (Vocals), Septis (Bass), Drakon Hesperion (Guitars), Cronios (Guitars) and Amdusias (Drums).

The Secret Last Syllable is comprised of nine mystical tracks thematically based on the Cthulhu Mythos by H.P. Lovecraft and The Necronomicon.

One of the characteristics of this album is a striking insertion of female soprano vocals allied with guttural and stormy male vocals. Alone, they already deliver a dark and sepulchral atmosphere with tons of melodic guitar entries that explore the full range of tempos, from fast to slow, omnipresent keys, a visceral bass and no less than cursed drums.
The album explores the occult and represents uniquely and attractively a legendary mysticism. In short, The Secret Last Syllable is perfect in what is proposed. Not escaping the excellence of Hellenic black metal, it is an ode to this particular style that has always contained innovations without losing the roots of the art.
“Tower of Koth” sounds majestic and has an intense emotional indictment, as well as “Emblem Of Yith” the drums stand out intense and raw, creating the infernal essence required at this point.
In the sequence, we have two tracks interconnected in a way that is not only portrayed but as well as intelligent. “Nymph of the Pyramids pt. 1 – The Reign” and “Nymph of the Pyramids pt. 2 – The Curse”. In these tracks, the depiction of the mysticism of the lyrics through the vocals is utterly skilful. The rough vocals allied to the smooth vocals give a melodic tone. At the same time, they interconnect and allow the emergence of a haunted atmosphere of ethereal delight, which explodes in true black metal classicism. Moments of cruel harshness merge with epic melodies, and these twin tracks are my favourites.
Another track worth noting is the title track, “The Secret Last Syllable”, epic at its core. All nine tracks depict a classic and beautiful myth through one of the best musical performances of this year so far.

Synteleia undoubtedly stands out and is already part of the pantheon of the Greek gods of Black Metal.

PURCHASE THE ALBUM: https://synteleiaofficial.bandcamp.com/

FOLLOW SYNTELEIA & FLOGA RECORDS:
http://www.facebook.com/synteleia
http://www.flogarecords.com
http://www.facebook.com/floga.records