Man, are Dying Victims killing it or what? This is the third release I’ve reviewed from the label this week, and it’s only Tuesday! Again, why the hell they won’t shoot advance streams my way like they do their boy Blayne at BangerTV is beyond me. Perhaps they just like giving this Midwestern Chicago headbanger blue balls, to which I say, “Knock it off!” If the latest turd from Kreator found its way in my inbox a month in advance (No, I didn’t even bother with it), there’s no reason your roster of bands who sound more like Kreator than Kreator currently does shouldn’t find their way there as well.
Anyways, now that I’ve got that off my chest, what have we today? Oh yes! Syrion! Similar to labelmates Savage Sword, who we reviewed yesterday, Syrion are a new band, coming to us from Belgium. And if you read my review of Barbarian’s Reek of God, you’ll know that Belgium is a country that simply doesn’t miss. Symphony of Horror, the debut pseudo-EP from Syrion, is no exception to the rule. I use the term “pseudo-EP” because while it is an EP in the technical sense (5 songs, 16 minutes), it consists of 2 new songs, followed by their 2025 debut demo, Keeper of Souls. Though if I’m speaking for myself, this EP is my first time hearing said demo, and I’m sure many of you can say the same.
If you couldn’t tell from the vampyric cover art, complete with bats, graves, and a pale, freshly-bitten mistress, Syrion are a horror metal act. With their knack for eerie lyricism and lo-fi heroics, it’s easy to draw comparison to fellow spooktacular bands like Ripper, Halloween, and of course, Mercyful Fate (specifically the Nuns Have No Fun era). Interestingly enough, Syrion tends to fuse this macabre atmosphere with an early ’80s speed metal aggression, which is most prominently displayed on the opening title track and “Enchantress”. The speed, in this case, evokes shadows of Exciter and early Running Wild as opposed to anything remotely filthy or punkish (i.e. Motörhead and sons).
“Children of the Night”, the other new song on here, compliments the ripping opener with its anthemic, old school spirit. The devil rockin’ riffs, pounding drums, and rasp-along hooks dare the listener not to bang their heads and pump their studded fists in the air in pure metallic rejoice. The plodding “Glory is No More” serves as the obligatory slab of Mercyful Fate worship, minus the soaring falsettos one would expect from a King Diamond clone. Instead, frontman Colin Monsieur snarls his way through this track, like he does the whole release, sounding like the bastard spawn of Paul Di’Anno and Cronos. Speaking of Di’Anno, I’m certainly picking up shades of Killers on the explosive closer that is “Keeper of Souls”, which just so happens to be my choice cut.
Just like I said about Savage Sword yesterday, Syrion are a band who’s able to tap into the NWOBHM vein, without sounding like another here today, gone tomorrow regurgitation of old school tropes without emotion. Its combination of fevered speed, early Maiden gallops, horror-themed lyricism, and a retro, demo era production, makes Symphony of Horror a must-explore listen for any self-respecting old school headbanger, whether you’re 21 or 61. Belgian steel continues to rule supreme!
7 out of 10
Label: Dying Victims Productions
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Halloween, Running Wild, Iron Maiden