Review: “Synapse The Hivemind” by Sonus Mortis

Completing a trilogy of albums that outlines a dystopian future and the downfall of humanity with themes of technological dominance, environmental collapse, and societal degradation that are often found on the darker side of the science fiction horror genre, “Synapse The Hivemind” actually has roots that go as far back as 2018. At that point multi instrumentalist and vocalist Kevin Byrne, known for his work as the bassist of Melodic Death Metal act Valediction from 2005 to 2012, was writing his forth album “Hold This Mortal Coil” and archived two songs he had written that didn’t fit the narrative arc for a later date. Those happen to be album title track “Synapse The Hivemind” and “Deracinated” with a third in “Slaves To The Algorithm (Execute The Code)” dating back to the first of the trilogy of albums in 2022’s “Collapse the Mountain“. Interweaving with previous themes of misanthropy, anti-religious rhetoric and death, these cryptic writings from Sonus Mortis have a wide range of influences and spread fear into the hearts and minds of man with a blend of Symphonic Death and Doom Metal with just a splash of Melodic Death Metal for colour.

There is no doubt that an eighth studio album in “Synapse The Hivemind” from a project that was started in Dublin Ireland in 2013 that continues something started seven long years ago is an interesting prospect, especially when you consider that the themes explored here bare a darker resemblance to those behind franchises like Terminator or perhaps The Matrix and the current rise to prominence of Artificial Intelligence. It begins with “Biomechanical Horrors“, a cut that has distinctive Witch Country roots as it pushes into familiar Extreme Metal territory, the feel of bands like Cradle Of Filth captured in its rhapsody. Over the past few records Byrne’s vocal performances have improved immeasurably with a new found confidence, particularly in his clean parts and that helps give this affair a truly epic feel. His fierce and fiery harsh uncleans building on textured layers of synth, percussion and guitars to make it a well rounded burnt offering with a real depth of flavour. Byrne rants and raves like a straight jacket wearing lunatic through the lyric sheet of the shorter, sharper “Eyes In The Sky“, a nightmarish vision with a dramatic theatrical vibe to it as the pummelling percussion beats the discerning listener senseless. Abandoning some traditional song structures, this one verse affair still has a lead element to add a little stardust without letting go of any of its sinister urge. Twisting the knife once more “I Used To Be Human” feels like the lament of a cyborg for a life once lived embellished by rich yet icy piano moments and melancholic orchestration. Those symphonic elements do nothing to hide Scandinavian roots and by the end it is clear that for humanity all is lost.

Increasing the intensity “The System Shock” drives fear into the hearts of the populous as it attacks in sinister and menacing waves of darkness. Embellished by gloriously cinematic synths and seven string guitars, this one feels like it would need a seven piece band to perform live as well as pyrotechnics and a grand auditorium dressed in black to capture the atmosphere of the piece. Despite the horror of the lyrical narrative sonically the track is nothing short of epic with stupendous attention to detail in the way it has been put together. It’s not simply the quality of Byrne’s musicianship but also his vision to create something of this stature on his own seems impossible and yet here the monument stands for all to see. 80’s Darkwave Synthpop as well as theatrical vibes creep in with the clean vocal parts of “The Perfect Host” without losing any of the momentum of the album in doing so; the melodies offering a little respite from the dark and brooding atmosphere. An off kilter solo is a nice touch offering something a little different before the a speech sample ushers in “The Unravelling Array” and a return to harsher vocals. This dance macabre sounds like it has its roots in Black Metal of the cosmic persuasion, a couple of spellbinding solos chemically enhancing the darkness with blinding light. Some dungeon crawling synth moments add a John Carpenter movie vibe before orchestrations elevate the last of six tracks written during 2024.

One of the great things about this album is that it stands on its own two feet as a magnum opus in its own right; there is no dependency on knowing the backstory of the previous records that can prevent the enjoyment of this one on its own. You don’t have to listen to all three back to back to get the most out of it, although Kevin Byrne will no doubt thank you if you did. The other thing that is key is that the three older tracks that appear at the end of the album don’t sound out of place and simply tacked on to turn an EP of new writings into a full length album. Instead, in all honesty, if you were none the wiser you’d never know that the final unholy trinity of this gargantuan saga were not written at the the same time. Jackhammer footwork drives the nails into the coffin of humanity as title track “Synapse The Hivemind” bursts into a vibrant solo, the Depeche Mode echo of the clean vocal line “the jokes on you!” followed by the laughter of the insane. A powerful statement piece, it makes you wonder what Byrne could achieve given a full band at his disposal.

“Deracinated” then smashes the clock in fear with punishing blast beats, rich synths and orchestration, the rampaging guitars and throat splitting vocals giving it a real pomp and circumstance. The final trick in the book is “Slaves To The Algorithm (Execute The Code)” and for this one Byrne arguably saves his fiercest vocal performance of the record. He roars about humanity being trapped in the digital matrix of social media and being force fed all that we know against our collective will. As thought provoking as the rest of the album, this one will make you pause for reflection, the stark reality of our need for the connections enough to make the blood run cold. Sonically the swirling synths push of the dark tones of the chugging guitars, the depth and texture of the piece once again masterfully created. Another worthy addition to the discography of Sonus Mortis this piece of bleak darkness may leave you questioning your reality [9/10]

Track Listing

1. Biomechanical Horrors
2. Eyes In The Sky
3. I Used To Be Human
4. The System Shock
5. The Perfect Host
6. The Unravelling Array
7. Synapse The Hivemind
8. Deracinated
9. Slaves To The Algorithm (Execute The Code)

“Synapse The Hivemind” by Sonus Mortis is out 27th March 2025 and is available over at bandcamp