Renegade Magazine (Brazil)
This gothic black metal from Germany has already 2 albuns released: "Under Moonlight We Kiss" and "Fallen's Angels Symphony". Both established the band's reputation as one of the best revelations of new extreme metal scene, but this new long EP (more than 28 minutes) will surpass all the expectations. Now the band is comprised of Chris Anderle (vocals), Cynthia (female chants), Achim (Drums), Jones (Bass) and Patrick (guitar). Although having only one guitarist, the album is far more complex than their previous releases, and even heavier. As highlights we can mention Forbidden Fruit Sapientia, a bombastic opening for the album, and Choir of Immortal Queens, in which the majestic keyboards create a full background. But the most curious is a fantastic cover of Metallica's Creeping Death, which ends the album. Probably one of the best versions ever done for a Metallica song. All in all, a perfect release for gothic black metal metal lovers.
Alexander Kurtz 9/10

Purgatory of Grief, GERMANY
There it is, the brandnew Ancient Ceremony output, which we had been waiting for so long...they are back with about 28 minutes of finest melodic, more Death Metal. They always liked to link dark, gloomy metal sound with 60´s hammer horror sequentials and screaming elements. Best example for this fact are their great intros..."There is no real Art without the Influence of the Devil" - well...sad for some, but true and nobody can deny it....the lyrics tell you a forbidden story, a story of satanism - bloody mythological, philosophical and historical in one. In comparison with their older outputs, "Synagoga Diabolica" is definatly faster - not to say dirtier, consisting of definatly more roughness. For me it sounds fucking grown up - not like all the Black Metal-clones outside and it´s definalty worth a try! This 8 Track CD could be arranged between a MCD and a normal longplayer. Not to forget the quite outstanding cover of Metallica´s "Creeping Death" and their own new version of "Choir of Immortal Queens". Well, it´s perfect for cold, foggy evenings and red wine sessions - but I have to say, it´s definatly not recommended for Goths! Stay the fuck away from it, or it will become your final destination! Nothing left to say - have no fear and try it, you´ll be addicted soon! This output really opens you the gates to Hell - Well Cum!
Pain 86/100

Sonic Seducer, Germany
Occult Death Metal with atmospheric horror-parts...one of the best German Black/Death Metal acts...already the both albums "Under Moonlight we kiss" and "Fallen Angel's Symphony" which were both out on Cacophonous could totally impress regarding the variations in songwriting and a high number of ideas offered from this band around vocal-demon Chris Anderle...superior lyrics that show the writer has got the clue for they're fascinating, interesting in one...creative quality is dominant here...this diabolical six-piece already has caught me with the first listen...black as hell, elite Death/Black Metal on a high level with many morbid melodies that give you the creep...powerful instrumentation...tha variable and eerie voice of Anderle is able to fascinate even more. Simply perfect!
Markus Eck

Trident Mag (Germany)
I have followed this bands progress with much interest since the release of Under Moonlight We Kiss in '97 and indeed they have progressed greatly since then. The last album, Fallen Angel's Symphony, already smacked of an increasing  tendency toward more aggression, without losing the symphonic vein always present in their music, and Synagoga Diabolica appears to be the natural follow up to it's predecessor. Ancient Ceremony have always seemed to be a band who act upon their natural instinct and mood regardless of consequence which becomes all to obvious on this unfortunately  short album of death and thrash infiltrated black metal. Chris has also lowered his voice somewhat resulting in a powerful contrast to Cynthias "satanic chants" and the optimal transmission of his infernal diatribes.  I personally feel that, although it's over too quickly, this is the best album to date from Chris and Co. and forsee them capturing many more souls outside the black metal genre. Another  point of great interest on this album is their version of Metallica's "Creeping Death" which they have not only masterfully interpreted but have also succeeded in giving the song their own individual touch. All in all, a great album which lovers of dark extremity and satanic idealism shouldn't miss out on.
Sharon 9 out of 10

Godreah (UK)
The third opus from my favourite Germanic dark gothic band. This release finds a more aggressive and thrashy side appearing within the bands cold atmospheric laden music. Whereas previous albums [ both out on Cacophonous] have concentrated on brooding gothic compositions, this lively bugger is enraged with fast songs as well as the bands original unearthly vocal delivery of harsh shrieks and depressive snarls made possible by the sinister stalker of monasteries 'Chris 'Vampyria licker' Anderle'. The melodic nature of the arrangements makes this very accessible and dare I say it 'METAL'. Extremity still prevails and I would put this shamefully overlooked band as one of the most exciting bands in the scene today. There is also a fucking awesome cover of Metallica's 'Creeping Death' which will have you creeping though the local cemetery lusting after the odour of still warm virgin cunt.

Aegis Magazine (Hungary)
New label, new line-up (only Chris has remained from the previous line-up), new musical approach I'd say - but it's rather kinda return to their roots..."Synagoga Diabolica" is more in the Death/Black vein! The songs are faster (just listen to the first track) and more brutal than before but the atmosphere is still there. I even dare say that this is their most devilish, darkest stuff to date. Of course there are some female vox and melodies here and there, but the whole material is much heavier this time. Among the 8 tracks we can find a redone version of "Choir of Immortal Queens" from their "Cemetary Visions" MCD and a cover, namely Metallica's classic "Creeping Death"! It's more than surprising from Ancient Ceremony but the endresult is good in my opinion with this kind of vocals. I think it's worth buying this 28 min. long stuff, which is available at a special price.
Andras 8.5 out of 10

Review in Silence Diary (Czech Republic)
...strong and kicking...much more straight forward...Ancient Ceremony still know how to use their mightiest weapons, namely strong imaginery in composing and the ability to create a dark atmosphere while still keeping a strong metal taste. Ancient Ceremony retained their honourable place in the metal underground again and this piece of melodic black metal is waiting for you to spin.
Marek 8/10 points

New Rock & Metal Hammer, Germany
Ancient Ceremony here dive deeper into the underground again...from old Death Metal to Slayer you can hear genuine old stuff but they do not forget the work which has become significant for their own style. "Synagoga Diabolica" is a Metal-experience black as night full of creepy atmospheric sounds and dark riffs...recommended to all those between Death-, Gothic- and Black Metal!
Robert Müller

Legacy, Germany
Ancient Ceremony are a lot tougher now...far more Death Metal-orientated and intensive without losing their typical horrormovie-atmosphere. The contrasts between these elements are far more extreme this time so that "Synagoga Diabolica" sounds much more fascinating, psychopathic and sicker. But this thia aix-piece never forgets the closed structures although the songs have many variations in them...darkly-atmospheric...very interesting for Death-, Black- and Gothic-Metal fans!
M. Tilger

Vampiria, Italy
I have always respected a lot this band and not only for their music but also for a certain occult and mysterious vein that makes the difference with bands like Cradle of Filth or Ancient, two bands musically near to this Teutonic act. Not more in Cacophonous they personalize more and more their sound making it harder and contaminating it with Death influence like it happens in the arcane "Soul Darwinism" that alternates Death ridings in the typical Deicide style with hallucinating tenebrous and magic intermezzos. Moreover have to be pointed out the symphonic "Deorum Contemptor" and the devastating cover "Creeping Death" which here has become a pure cryptic Death song with diabolical female voices to make you shiver. To end this review I'd like to say that this album is more violent and direct than their previous stuff but here once again remains that magic halo which I loved so much in their music, so that I think these ones are obscure premonitions for the future.
5/7 Francesco Palumbo

Sin is there, Germany
Ancient Ceremony perform a genious mixture of Black, Death and Thrash which totally kicks ass. The lyrics are also superior and do not just present a silly "Fuck Christ"-cliche. Get this fresh, aggressive piece of music if you're pissed off with all those releases that have no own identity. There is also a perfect cover of Metallica's "Creeping Death" in a very special Ancient Ceremony-arrangement. Touchdown!
Maik Godau