Album Review: Sydney Fate - Silicon Nitride
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Cardiff based Sydney Fate’s debut release ‘Silicon Nitride’ is the result of several years of struggle and life changing experiences. Founded by vocalist Bailey Edwards whilst still in high school, Sydney Fate stabilised in 2017 with a solid line up before Edwards took some time out to address some personal challenges. Refreshed, the band roared back into action with further line-up changes before settling on a six-piece formation. Releasing their first EP ‘Sound Alive’ independently in 2018, they continued to gig hard throughout the local regions, attracting the attention of Eclipse Records.
‘Silicon Nitride’ delivers 35 minutes of alternative metal, drawing on a range of influences from Linkin’ Park to Architects to Asking Alexandria. The band use Edwards clean vocals as a foil for the explosive guttural roars of fellow singer Adam Rapado, duel guitars and a bass/drum combination to great effect. Alternative metal isn’t my bag by a long stretch, but this album is solidly constructed, performed well and produced with the quality you’d expect from The Grave Brothers (Asking Alexandria, Eyes Set to Kill, In Visions).
Opening track ‘Tacenda’ is well known to those who have followed the band; a heart wrenching emotionally charged song, Edwards earnest vocals immediately familiar above the gentle introduction, the fight against inner demons instantly recognisable to those who experience similar anxieties before the breakdowns kick in. The style is traditional in many respects, the duel vocals fight with each other over crashing riffs, harmonies and thick melodies. ‘Sound Alive’ will get heads nodding amongst new fans, whilst the hardcore will embrace one of five songs from the debut EP. An uplifting track, focusing on the positives even in the darkest times, the staccato rhythms, the anthemic chorus and the overall gelling of the band make this a song of hope.
‘Falling Forward’ is a thrashier number, pacey riffs opening the track which motors to the initial breakdown, Rapado’s growls dominant in this heavier number, Edwards content to take the back seat for parts of the song. ‘Courthouse Problematic’ follows, the soaring harmonies and melody once again the background for Edwards honest lyrics. ‘Chelsey Grin’ changes style completely, Edwards melancholic vocals glide over a gentle guitar allowing a welcome breather amidst the frantic action elsewhere. It’s a beautiful song, short but poignant. Whilst the lyrics tell of heart break, tragedy and personal challenge, there is not shortage of spirit within the band, and the third new track ‘Oceans’ is as feisty as anything else they have produced. Two other tracks from ‘Sound Alive’ conclude the album, the aggressive ‘Home’ and the multi-layered ‘Sweet Anticipation’.
Chemically, 'Silicon Nitride' has high strength and fracture toughness at high temperatures. Having survived tough times, Sydney Fate have demonstrated their durability and produced a fine debut which is likely to be well received across the alternative metal world.
‘Silicon Nitride’ is released on 3rd April on Eclipse Records.
