Year: 2021
Total Time: 38:13
Label: Northern Silence

SYLVAN AWE made a lot of noise in the underground with their first album “Offering”, therefore they decided to shake us up even more with “Transcend”, which has just been released. Let me first make the necessary introduction: SYLVAN AWE come from far away Australia, and specifically from Melbourne. The band is a duo, consisting of S. Callinan and A. Horsman. They serve with much devotion and dedication the black art and are sonically identical to bands that lead the sound direction of this specific scene nowadays, such as MGŁA, DEATHSPELL OMEGA, KRIEGSMASCHINE and UADA.

“Transcend” is an explosion of emotions through an impressive range of sound. An introspective look at the struggle for self-improvement, through the “search for the primordial spirit that lives inside us, unintentionally hidden”, to paraphrase my beloved Kostis Palamas. The rune of life gives the impetus. The accents, shades of black, white and red. Moments of triumph, of a great challenge. The atmosphere is radically imposing, minimalistic.

A thoroughly mature work, with interesting alternations of mid tempo compositions and great outbursts, “catchy” melodies, excellent technical skills. Straightforward black metal, without exaggerations, but full of sentiment and substance. Highlights include the opener “Overcome”, “O’Sun”, “Transcend” and “Winter”.

The album is released in a collector’s digipack edition, limited to 500 copies. I foresee that in few years we will be talking about this band, therefore I prepare you properly, so that you can get your copy immediately, especially the lovers of the black metal sound.

Rating: 7,5/10
Editor: Kostas Kafritsas
Related Link: SYLVAN AWE – Facebook Page