Sonic Syndicate
Sonic Syndicate |
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Sonic Syndicate is a Heavy Metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden, formed in 2002. The band was formed in 2002 under the name "Fallen Angels." In 2005, they changed their name to Sonic Syndicate. They are influenced by Swedish melodic death metal bands such as In Flames and Soilwork.[1]
Background
Early years (Fallen Angels)
Sonic Syndicate was formed in 2002 under the name Fallen Angels, by the Sjunnesson brothers, singer Richard and guitarists Roger and Robin Sjunnesson, keyboardist Andreas Mårtensson, bassist Magnus Svensson and drummer Kristoffer Backlund. Under the name Fallen Angels, they recorded three demos, Fall From Heaven, Black Lotus, and Extinction before signing with Pivotal Rockordings in 2005.[2] Afterward, bassist Karin Axelsson had replaced Svensson before the band changed its name to Sonic Syndicate and recorded their debut studio album, Eden Fire.
Eden Fire and touring
The band toured extensively throughout Sweden[3][4] in support of Eden Fire, alongside such bands as Avatar. In early February 2006, during their tour with Avatar, drummer Kristoffer Bäcklund left the band, and was replaced by John Bengtsson.[5] 2006 also saw the departure of the band's keyboardist, and the addition of a second singer Roland Johansson. The band completed the tour, then began demoing new material in early March.
In late November 2007, the Swedish newcomers embarked on a tour with Himsa and the Swedish Melodic death metal band Amon Amarth.[6] Later in 2008, they toured with the popular Finnish symphonic metal band, Nightwish.[7]
Nuclear Blast and Only Inhuman
In the summer of 2006, the band entered into a contest held by Nuclear Blast. Out of over 1,500 competing bands, Sonic Syndicate was chosen as one of three winners and offered a new recording contract with the major recording label.[8][9] In November, they entered Black Lounge Studios to record their follow-up to Eden Fire with Jonas Kjellgren of Scar Symmetry.[10] The new album was titled Only Inhuman and was released on May 18, 2007. The band made a video for the lead single, "Denied," with renowned producer Patric Ullaeus.
The singers of Sonic Syndicate Richard Sjunnesson and Roland Johansson also sang for a compilation album, much like Roadrunner United, entitled Nuclear Blast All-Stars: Out of the Dark with former Soilwork guitarist Peter Wichers.[11] The band played at the 2007 Wacken Open Air Festival.[12] Sonic Syndicate played several European festivals and, in the winter of 2007, accompanied Amon Amarth as they toured stateside.[13] The band also participated in the "Darkness over X-Mas Tour" with Caliban and Heaven Shall Burn, and toured extensively across Europe with Dark Tranquillity and Soilwork.
Love and Other Disasters
In March 2008 the band began recording their third release in Jonas Kjellgren's Black Lounge Studios in Avesta.[14] In May 2008, Sonic Syndicate returned to North America as the opening act for Nightwish.[15] In the June issue of Revolver Magazine, Karin Axelsson was named one of the "Hottest Chicks in Metal.[16] Love and Other Disasters was released in September 2008. The first single, "Jack of Diamonds," is accompanied by a video again from Patric Ullaeus who has directed all of the bands videos inclunding the second single of Love And Other Disasters, "My Escape".[17] At the end of the year, the band toured Germany and Scandinavia. The band stated on their official website that the next single of the album would be the songs "Power Shift" and "Contradiction" which will debute in early 2009. Roger Sjunnesson has posted a blog (Roger Sjunnesson's blog (in Swedish)) with pictures revealing that the videos for "Power Shift" and "Contradiction" are in the making. It has been confirmed that the "Power Shift" video will premiere on February 18th on their Myspace and on their website. [citation needed]
New singer, Rebellion and Next studio album
On 30th March 2009 (this was initially believed to be an early april fool) it was confirmed that vocalist Roland Johansson would quit the band because of personal reasons. He will finally quit on 29th August after his last show w/ the band at the Geuzenpop Festival in Enchede, Holland. [18] On 24th August british vocalist Nathan James Biggs (formerly of The Hollow Earth Theory) was announced as Roland Johansson's replacement. [19] The band will release their first songs with the new singer on November the 6th. Then they will release an EP called Rebellion featuring two new songs with Nathan. The band has also announced that their next studio album will be out in April 2010.
Members
Current members
| Name | Instrument | Membership | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Sjunnesson | harsh vocals, lyricist | 2002-present | |
| Nathan J. Biggs | clean vocals, harsh vocals | 2009-present | |
| Roger Sjunnesson | lead guitar, primary composer | 2002-present | |
| Robin Sjunnesson | rhythm guitar | 2002-present | |
| Karin Axelsson | bass | 2004-present | Karin also provided some clean vocals on Sonic Syndicate's debut Eden Fire |
| John Bengtsson | drums | 2006-present |
Former Members
| Name | Instrument | Membership | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andreas Mårtensson | keyboards | 2002-2006 | |
| Kristoffer Bäcklund | drums, clean vocals | 2002-2006 | |
| Magnus Svensson | bass | 2002–2004 | |
| Roland Johansson | clean vocals, harsh vocals | 2006-2009 | Roland will be leaving the band on 29th August 2009 due to personal reasons |
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Eden Fire | September 13, 2005 | |
| Only Inhuman | May 18, 2007 | |
| Love and Other Disasters | September 19, 2008 |
Extended Play
| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Rebellion | November 6, 2009 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Jailbreak (Radio only) | Eden Fire |
| 2007 | Denied | Only Inhuman |
| Enclave | ||
| 2008 | Jack Of Diamonds | Love and Other Disasters |
| My Escape | ||
| 2009 | Power Shift | |
| Contradiction |
Music Videos
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Soulstone Splinter" | Black Lotus |
| 2007 | "Denied" | Only Inhuman |
| "Enclave" | ||
| 2008 | "Jack of Diamonds" | Love and Other Disasters |
| "My Escape" | ||
| 2009 | "Power Shift" | |
| "Contradiction" |
Compilation
The compilation album "Out Of The Dark" by Nuclear Blast did actually not include Sonic Syndicate, only the two vocalists Roland Johansson and Richard Sjunnesson.
| Title | Release date | Track | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Out Of The Dark | September 1, 2007 | The Gilded Dagger | |
| 20 Years Of Nuclear Blast | October 2, 2007 | Psychic Suicide |
Demos
All 1st three demos were released under their previous name, "Fallen Angels." All tracks on Black Lotus and Extinction were rerecorded for the bands debut album "Eden Fire." The self-titled demo was the 3 track demo Sonic Syndicate sent in to Nuclear Blast for a record deal competition in the summer of 2006 witch they won, got signed to a major label and released their second studio album "Only Inhuman".
| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Fall From Heaven | May 23, 2003 |
|
| Black Lotus | October 3, 2003 |
|
| Extinction | June 11, 2004 |
|
| Sonic Syndicate | Summer 2006 |
|
Soundtrack
| Title | Release date | Track | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| In The Name Of The King | November 5, 2007 | Enclave |
References
- ^ "Interview of Sonic Syndicate (Swedish Heavy-Metal band) for the "Only Inhuman" release". Auxportesdumetal.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Blabbermouth.Net - Sweden's Sonic Syndicate Sign with Pivotal Rockordings". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate: Live Dates Announced, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate, Avatar, Inevitable End to Team up for Sweden United Tour, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate Part Ways with Drummer, Announce Replacement, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ http://www.nuclearblast.de/news/newsoct073/news.october.3.2007.htm#SO
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate website". Mngmusic.net. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate Only Inhuman Enters Swedish Chart at No. 22, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sweden's Sonic Syndicate Land Nuclear Blast Deal in Band Contest, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate to Enter Studio this Month, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Ex-Soilwork Guitarist Completes Work on 'Nuclear Blast All-Stars' Project, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Enslaved, Heaven Shall Burn, Moonsorrow Confirmed for Wacken Open Air, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - SONIC SYNDICATE: 'Sonic TV' Episode Three Posted Online". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate to Enter Studio Tomorrow, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate to Support Nightwish in North America, on Blabbermouth.net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - 'Hottest Chicks In Metal' Revealed". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - SONIC SYNDICATE: 'Love And Other Disasters' North American Release Date Announced". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2008-12-01.
- ^ "Sonic Syndicate singer quits". idiomag. 2009-03-30. Retrieved 2009-03-31.
- ^ Sonic Syndicate- New vocalist announced|http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=125754