SYL
SYL makes Strapping Young Lad sound more direct and serious. Devin Townsend's overwhelming sound remains, but the riffs stand closer to the front. The music draws heavily on death and thrash metal, using melody and keyboards to increase the pressure. It is less unpredictable than City without losing much force.
Dire opens with layered voices before the riffs take over. Consequence and Relentless put Gene Hoglan's precise drumming at the centre of the attack.
Townsend's voice remains an important distinction from many other extreme metal records. He can move between harsh screams and clear singing without making the two seem disconnected. The melodies do not offer a simple break from the violence. Sometimes they make the tension greater, as a clear line suddenly emerges from the abrasive sound.
Aftermath is another of the most effective songs. Force Fed brings the melodic side further forward. Industrial and symphonic colours provide a setting around the riffs. The production keeps the guitar and drum attack strong while leaving room for the atmospheric elements.
The album loses some sharpness later on. Not every riff is equally memorable, and Bring On the Young builds less convincingly towards a conclusion. The tighter approach also misses some of the unexpected turns that can make this band so distinctive.
Still, SYL holds up well. Its best songs have a strong collective momentum, and the playing remains clear under the weight. This is the band working in a more direct way, with enough melodic sense to make the attack convincing as songwriting as well as performance.
