EP REVIEW: Syntara – You Felt Like Heaven

‘…a gorgeously constructed collection of metalcore anthems that only serve to make the world of this four-piece even more inviting…’

North-west conceptual metalcore outfit Syntara have been moving through their local heavy scene since 2024, and making quite the splash in the process. Earlier this month, the band headlined Manchester Academy 3 alongside the Silver Chamber Orchestra for a night of heavy orchestral music, celebrating the release of their debut EP, ‘You Felt Like Heaven’. These opportunities are undoubtedly only going to continue to be offered to the four-piece; Syntara are the sound of modern metalcore at its very best.

‘You Felt Like Heaven’ is, for the most part, a far softer and vastly more tempered affair than what Syntara have previously offered; this, however should not be considered a criticism. In fact, part of the joy of this EP is witnessing a band broadening their sonic palette, and creating a heartfelt and cinematic listening experience in the process.

‘Haze’ is a beautiful, glossy opening track, sculpted by strident acoustic guitar work, stadium sized percussion, and soaring melodies that showcase Matt Ellis’ ever improving skills. ‘Beautiful Debris’ continues with a similarly glittering sonic palette, demanding a place on your summer listening rotation. The choruses here are simply majestic to behold, as drawn out, distorted riffs boom beneath powerful, belted vocals. It is clear that Syntara understand what they are capable of, and how to push their own boundaries further; every performance is the very best that the band can currently offer.

Closing cut ‘Fair-Weather’ brings back the heaviness that one will have come to expect from Syntara’s material, executed with a degree of tech metal complexity. Screeching guitar riffs loop over a swaggering collusion of crashing percussion and distorted chugs. Soft verses punctuated by rattling hi-hats give way to moments of unrepentant fury, Ellis alternating between moody low melodies and visceral screams. The breakdown in the track’s back half is phenomenally pieced together, especially when the band drop the tempo and the key to create something truly monstrous.

If there is but one rising band that demands a full-length body of work to listen to, then that band is Syntara. ‘You Felt Like Heaven’ is a gorgeously constructed collection of metalcore anthems that only serve to make the world of this four-piece even more inviting; lore without bangers is pointless, and do these musicians have bangers indeed. Your favourite heavy band will inevitably take Syntara on tour; get to know them now for bragging rights.

RATING: 79/100

For Fans Of: Dayseeker, Holding Absence, Sleep Token, Loathe, Purge Of Sanity

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