Syndrome Of The End Approaching (Serpens Caput Productions)

 With an unusual and a quite disturbing name, this new US one man band comes. Formed back in 2004 by Tophetarath (Hordes of the Lunar Eclipse), the band recorded three original tracks plus a Sepultura cover the same year, those tracks were unreleased until now, when decided to release its first full length LP under Serpens Caput Productions. “Syndrome of the End Approaching” (what an appropriate name!) is an extreme piece of Unmerciful Black Metal in the rawest vein of bands such Black Witchery, Blasphemy Revenge and Conqueror (of course). The music of A.I.D.S. is incredibly destructive and chaotic. The strong Thrash influences are completely evident along the disc; just listen to “Command to Serve” (this track also reminds me “Command” from Darkthrone’s “Plaguewielder”) or the mentioned Sepultura cover, “Antichrist” where the Thrash Metal shows its dirty sound in its rawest form. The War/Black Metal references are completely present along the entire album, with its violent and unmerciful hellish atmospheres. The album moves between the fast, turbulent passages, and the mid to slow crawling, obscure yet brutal parts, just listen to the second track of the B side “Calling of Hounds”, probably the darkest track of the entire album, with suffocating atmospheres and some blood freezing guitar lines. The vocal work at this album is completely dark, cruel and raw, with mid tuned growls and shrieks, perfectly fits with the entire album concept. The drumming is highly versatile, dealing perfectly with the blasting, chaotic fast parts and also dealing with the mid to slow passages delivering a rhythmic and consistent thrashing performance. The guitar sounds like a rusty chainsaw creating crude atmospheres of apocalyptic destruction, “Hoc Est Enim Corpus Meum”, my personal favourite track, is the perfect example… The whole production is very dirty and undercooked, but that only improves the hellish, impure aura of the album. “Syndrome of the End Approaching” is an excellent debut, only available on vinyl version, strictly limited 300 copies. Sounding like the soundtrack of the final battle of Armageddon, A.I.D.S. is here… so be aware… the end is near my friend... (AP)