One aspect of Heavy Metal and all its subgenres that has always been fascinating for me is the cover artwork. So I find it correspondingly exciting to see whether the snake and the guitarist, who already graced the cover of the EP “The Sign” and the debut album “Paralyzing Chains”, will reappear. And yes, both are back, as are SINTAGE from Saxony, Germany with their excellent Heavy Metal. Fast, dynamic, with a focus on melodic and catchy riffs and high, but not too high, rather slightly raspy vocals. Temporarily, as with previous releases, the accelerator pedal is pushed to the limit, to the point where one can speak of typical Speed Metal. But also generic elements from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal are at hand, names like IRON MAIDEN, SAXON or PRAYING MANTIS appear immediately. So, everything as usual then? Well, yes and no. New is that SINTAGE have recorded a pure ballad for the first time. Definitely superfluous for me, but on the other hand, ‘Silent Tears’ completes the band’s portfolio. Whether I personally like it or not, ballads have always been part of Heavy Metal. Therefore, I am pretty sure the listeners are competent enough to either reach for a tissue or simply skip to the next song. Twin-lead guitar admirers will find more information here www.facebook.com/people/sintage/100089607068295 and www.facebook.com/hrrecords