Sintage are yet another one of those bands who I heard the NWOTHM crowd rave about upon the release of their debut album, and it’s probably for that very reason I never cared to check out said debut album, Paralyzing Chains (2023). When I received an advance of their sophomore album, Unbound Triumph, I figured, “Well, maybe it’s about time I give this band a fair shake and work my way backwards.” So that’s exactly what I’m doing. Unbound Triumph, whose cover sees the protagonist of the Paralyzing Chains cover freed from his serpentine captor, is my official introduction to Sintage, and if the rest of their catalog follows this vein, boy, am I missing out.
Like 99% percent of the NWOTHM crop going at it in 2025, there is nothing remotely revolutionary or groundbreaking about what Sintage are doing. In fact, they can be filed alongside this latest wave of bands (specifically in the last half decade or so) who sound more like NWOTHM progenitors Enforcer or Cauldron than the ’80s giants they’re trying to channel (i.e. Priest, Maiden, Saxon, etc.) That said, in the case of Sintage, the performances are energetic, the production is retro, and most importantly, the songs are a cut above the norm for this niche.
Roughly half of Unbound Triumph can be categorized as meat and potatoes traditional metal, complete with speeding tempos, molten riffage, and Halford-esque vocal heroics. The aptly titled “Ramming Speed” nails this formula to a T, getting this outing off to a fiery start, while the following “Cutting the Stars” enchants with its melodic leanings and harmonious chorus. Despite hailing from Germany, there is virtually zero musical trace of forefathers Helloween, Running Wild, or Warlock. Sintage’s brand of throwback metal is much more in line with the ’80s Swedish scene and, again, Priest. Look no further than the Mindless Sinner tinged romp of “Blood upon the Stage”.
What really sets Unbound Triumph apart from the pack is its other half, which sees Sintage dipping their toes into the classic hard rock pool. I’m not sure if this is par the course for past releases, but by deviating from the predictable copy-paste trad metal formula, Sintage have concocted an album that would’ve been at home on the pages of Kerrang! circa ’84. Metallized rockers like “Electric Walls” and “Beyond the Thunderdome” sound like lost Krokus anthems, driven on home by the raspy vocal stylings of frontman Randy. We’re even treated to the band’s sensitive side in the form of a power ballad, “Silent Tears”, and although it’s my least favorite on here, again, it gives this album an added sense of character.
Forgive me father, for I have sinned by sleeping on Sintage! This band is fun, loud, anthemic, and carefree, which is about all one could ask for from a traditional metal throwback act. Lying somewhere between the brainless hijinks of Striker and euro pomp of Enforcer, Sintage are a fine addition to the NWOTHM fold, and I anticipate more rip-roaring riff-centric anthems from them in the years to come. Forget living in sin! I’m living in Sintage!
7 out of 10
Label: High Roller Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Enforcer, Traveler, Judas Priest