Synergy (Extol album)
Synergy is the third studio album by the Norwegian progressive metal band Extol. It was released in 2003 on Solid State Records. The album represents a significant shift in Extol's sound, incorporating more industrial and experimental elements than their previous, more death metal-oriented releases. While still retaining some of their progressive tendencies, Synergy leans heavily into a more groove-oriented and technical style, drawing comparisons to bands like Meshuggah and Strapping Young Lad.
The album's lyrical content, like Extol's other work, explores themes of faith, doubt, and societal issues. However, Synergy presents these themes within the context of its aggressive and often dissonant soundscape.
Synergy received generally positive reviews upon its release, though some long-time fans expressed mixed reactions to the stylistic change. Despite the departure from their earlier sound, critics praised the album's technical proficiency and the band's willingness to experiment. Synergy is considered by many to be one of Extol's most influential and challenging albums.
The album features the following tracks:
- Grace Divine
- Paradigms
- Void
- The Interior
- Human Frailties Grave
- Nirvana 2000
- Open The Gates
- Emancipation
- Undeceived
- Reckless
- Renewal
The album was produced by Extol and Samuel Durling. The lineup for Extol on Synergy consisted of:
- Peter Espevoll - Vocals
- Ole Halvard Sveen - Guitars
- Christer Espevoll - Guitars
- John Robert Mjåland - Bass
- David Husvik - Drums