Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

What can be first viewed as parasitic, can actually be a mutual sounding board, the two way street of musical harmony wrapped up in a symbiotic relationship; for without someone playing the music that you like, you don’t keep them performing; the audience’s sometimes crude crocodile smile may ensnare some unfortunate bands, grab them so tight that they can hardly breathe but for The Parasite Syndicate and their self-titled debut album, the process is two way, obliterating, powerful and creatively devastating.

The first punch of expression lands squarely, the listener is more than intrigued, the interest is manoeuvred into position and by the time that second Metal slap comes, the curiosity is flowering out of control. It is a brutal, it is sublime and the finish is controlled enough that it all feels as if the small bird sitting in the gaping jaw of listener expectation is not only removing the spoilt remains festering in the teeth but somehow has served up a splendid roast in return.

The five piece line up from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire comprise of the rich but haunting vocals of Rich Ó’Donnchü and the band that supplies the frenzy that is like a hydrogen bomb waiting to go off. Robin Frazer, Joe Sammakia, Bret Richards and Stuart Dunlop all combine to make the sound intense, concentrated and powerful; it is the blast that is extreme, that is original and fulfilling.

In tracks such as All That We Have, Red Sky, Chakra and The Illusionist what comes across is a band who like for example Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Slayer before them; already know just what can be achieved, that the hard work, the sweat and the burning toil is there to keep them balanced and alive.

The Parasite Syndicate is immense, for a debut album of the genre it rides high in its esteem; this is not a release made in order to mess around with, it is the beating heart, the fix of music that is so readily needed and appreciated. This is a collective set to be a phenomenon.

Ian D. Hall