Review: Malauriu/Sinoath

Sometimes there are those releases that slip quietly through the cracks, only to be discovered later in the year – often just a little too late to still grab a physical copy. This split-tape is a perfect example. Originally released in January as a 7” through Doomentia Records, it was reissued in April by Kold Cave Productions, this time on tape and expanded with an additional sixteen-minute track.

Malauriu, originally from Sicily but now residing in London for several years, delivers an impressive contribution with the track Scyre. What they conjure up here is utterly captivating: experimental-tinged Black Metal with a prominent role for church organ and other synthetic keys. The result is a peculiar yet successful fusion of tradition and experimentation. Echoes of Necromantia, Mortuary Drape, and kindred spirits are unmistakable, yet Malauriu manages to translate these influences into a fresher, more contemporary approach.

For the tape version, they also contributed a bonus piece: a sixteen-minute journey through electronic Noise and dark Ambient, perfectly complementing the mysterious aura of their metal work while adding another dimension to their sound.

On the other side of the split we encounter Sinoath, likewise hailing from Sicily but remaining faithful to their home island. Their track, Symphony of the Scythe, truly lives up to its title: this is a musical scythe that cuts without mercy. Where Malauriu balances between the experimental and the atmospheric, Sinoath takes a grittier path, rooted in Black/Doom aesthetics. Heavier riffs and dark textures dominate, culminating in a striking guitar solo at the end – a climactic moment that elevates the track and sweeps the listener away with force.

This split showcases the best of both worlds: Malauriu’s adventurous, modern approach contrasted with Sinoath’s raw, deep-rooted intensity. Together they form a fascinating and complementary whole, a release that highlights just how rich and versatile the Sicilian scene can be.

85/100