Some would argue that Heavy Metal is a lost art form, a musical genre past its peak, meandering in commercial limbo. Devotees continue to find solace in the soul of the music however, and the lessening popularity has weeded out obvious posers. Rychus Syn are metal veterans, and Rebirth is a testimonial to both their sheer dedication and skill. The guitar and drum work on the introduction to "One Voice" could have easily landed on Metallica's prolific Kill Em All record. Dan Reid has dialed in the quintessential metal vocal, soaring with aggression and engaging hostility while retaining solid, musical tonalities. This band is, for lack of a better one-word description: Tight. "Power Thunder and Steel" hits like South of Heaven, but flows with a melodic wickedness like early, pre-VH1 behind the music Motley Crue. The musical combination serves as a splendid marriage of rhythm and power chords. "Chemical Warfare" continues this grand meeting of hard hitting sounds and fluid choruses. The Marines could use an anthem like this on the streets of Baghdad. Rychus Syn has created an album that not only sustains heavy metals attributes, but expands on them, creating a fresh new sound. MM