ALBUM REVIEW: Sylosis, "A Sign of Things to Come"

 By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 08/09/2023
Label: Nuclear Blast
 

“A Sign Of Things To Come” track listing:
 
1. Deadwood
2. A Sign Of Things To Come
3. Pariahs
4. Poison For The Lost
5. Descent
6. Absent
7. Eye For An Eye
8. Judas
9. Thorns
10. A Godless Throne
 
The Review:

Sylosis follow up 2020’s excellent “Cycle of Suffering” with this; have the British metal icons forged forward effectively? I first listened to the band back in 2015 with “A Dormant Heart”; an album I still hold in very high regard. I felt at the time- and still do- that Sylosis had cracked a very difficult code. They are a modern sounding band with a forward-thinking sound that won’t alienate old-schoolers (such as myself).
 
The band, for those that don’t know, combine thrash, death/melo-death, metalcore, groove metal and more traditional metal into a very effective alloy fit for almost any type of metalhead. It pleases me that they have (and have always had) the weighty backing of Nuclear Blast, but it pains me to consider that if, IF ONLY, the band were American then they might well be on a much higher level than they are. The Reading, Berkshire, UK, crew are instead at a level above underground and cult- but not at the large theatre/arena level they deserve.
 
UK metal- and metal in general- needs bands that look forward as well as back and Sylosis fit that bill. As such, then, you’ll hear synths and layers of sound across the title track, along with hardcore infused vocals, clean singing and huge riffs. The playing and performances are on point right out of the gate; “Deadwood” is a very effective opener, distilling what the band do well into four and half minutes.
 
The album continues at a very high watermark; “Pariahs” is heavy as hell, grooves massively, and hits all the right spots for a pit to go insane to. The record sounds incredible; massive and thick, precise and streamlined. Once again, the band combine handily the best bits of Machine Head, Lamb of God, Pantera, Fear Factory and so on into their own sound.
Stand outs? I’d probably pick “Poison For The Lost” as a real high point; it thrashes extremely convincingly with real malice and spite injected into the vocals and playing. This is metal as it should be; fast, furious and laser-honed.
 
Incredibly, the band are six albums in here. The level of experience and confidence shows throughout. The band don’t put a foot wrong in terms of song writing, production or performance. Band main-man Josh Middleton has been at this for over two decades now and he is a master of his craft. The band even ring the changes with the track “Absent”; a kind of synth-scape ballad that gives way to a more metallic section. It’s cinematic and daring, showing what the band can do when they spread their wings. More typical service is resumed with “Eye For An Eye” as the band puts the pedal and metal to the, er, metal once again- but not forgetting their sense of melody throughout the song.
 
As noted on previous records, things are focused and lean throughout; ten songs only, nothing too bloated and most clocking the 3.5-4.5min playing time. The riffs of “Judas” have a kind of ‘doom but sped up’ feel and the dark vibe that it gives off is great. Naturally, speed also kills on this one. Great track.
 
“As Thorns” and then the epic closer “A Godless Throne” bring this excellent record to an end, I can’t help but ponder the state of the metal genre in 2023. The arena filling likes of Maiden and Metallica may be on the way out, but with bands like Sylosis around, the genre is not going away. The fact is, to many metallers younger than me THIS IS the sound of metal. Not Priest, Maiden, Sabbath et al, but instead bands like Sylosis who have cherry picked the best aspects of various metal sub genres and then come full circle to be defined as, simply, METAL. Yep, Sylosis are a METAL band- and they are the best modern metal band in the UK. Easily.  
 
“A Sign of Things to Come” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Sylosis, "Cycle of Suffering"

By: Richard Maw

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 07/02/2020

Label: Nuclear Blast

 

“Cycle of Suffering” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Empty Prophets
2. I Sever
3. Cycle of Suffering
4. Shield
5. Calcified
6. Invidia
7. Idle Hands
8. Apex of Disdain
9. Arms Like A Noose
10. Devils In Their Eyes
11. Disintegrate
12. Abandon

The Review:

Sylosis return with this full length a full five years after the last album! It's hard to believe that the excellent “Dormant Heart” is that old, but it is. In that time, it's not strictly true to say that the metal genre has changed- things have kept moving along nicely- but do Sylosis now sound like old hat? The answer, as soon as “Empty Prophets” kicks off is a resounding “NO.”

The band, in case you have never heard them, are British and fit firmly into the modern metal genre of thrash crossed with melodic death- some synths, lots of hardcore-esque breakdowns etc. To describe them would be to say that they sit somewhere between Stampin' Ground (late era), Hatebreed, God Forbid and Lamb of God.

The playing is beyond reproach- listen to the lock-tight precision of “I Sever” for proof. Through headphones, the sound is more textured than it might first appear; there are synths throughout lots of the music here adding depth to the sound and an extra dimension. The drums are undoubtedly triggered/sound replaced- how you feel about that trait may determine your feelings towards the production generally. Certainly, this kind of clarity and quality would have been impossible for a band of Sylosis' size twenty years ago. Now, it's if not commonplace... almost expected.

With pro-tools or similar firmly in effect, the band sound machine like and incredibly powerful. There are great riffs and passages of music throughout the likes of “Cycle of Suffering” and “Shield”. It's heavy stuff- like Hatebreed rumbling with At The Gates and the more angular guitar work on “Calcified” goes some way to distinguish the band from the myriad of others who have ploughed a similar furrow. The chorus is a little clumsy, but over the course of the twelve tracks, there is more than enough fury on offer to offset any of the more cliched moments that occasionally pop up. “Invidia” is another example of a track with a rather clumsy anthemic chorus section, but I'm really splitting hairs here.

For all that there may be a few seconds of a couple of tracks that I don't care for, there are whole tracks like “Idle Hands” which are superb. “Apex of Disdain” is also a meaty example of the fact that if Machine Head had made this album instead of what they actually made last time around, then they would have been lauded as returning heroes. The moody “Arms Like A Noose” uses a good change of pace for the intro and then mutates into an album stand out; the guitar work is excellent, as is every aspect of the track. Superb stuff.

“Devils In Their Eyes” blends melody with aggression very effectively and is a fine example of the band getting the combination just right. The final two tracks see the band take a darker turn- “Disintegrate” is a riff-fest brimming with energy while on “Abandon” Sylosis spread their wings a little with clean singing, acoustic guitars, prevalent synths and a playing time of over six minutes. It's closer to Alter Bridge and Shadows Fall and it caps off a very good record in fine style.

Whether this will see Sylosis get their just desserts and climb the metal tree, I don’t know. Certainly, all the ingredients are there- from the state of the art production to the mixture of viciousness and restraint the band do nothing wrong and have turned in another excellent modern metal record. It's better than the most recent albums by any number of bands- some of whom are mentioned above. If there's any justice, you'll be seeing Sylosis in an Academy size venue near you soon.

“Cycle of Suffering” is available HERE



 Band info: facebook

Sylosis - Dormant Heart (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 23/1/2015

Label: Nuclear Blast

‘Dormant Heart’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Where The Wolves Come To Die  2:55

2. Victims and Pawns  5:00

3. Dormant Heart  5:14

4. To Build A Tomb  4:21

5. Overthrown  4:08

6. Leech  5:01

7. Servitude  4:02

8. Indoctrinated  4:40

9. Harm  4:55

10. Mercy  4:51

11. Callous Souls  5:01

12. Quiescent  9:02

Sylosis on this record are

Josh Middleton | vocals, guitars
Alex Bailey | guitars
Carl Parnell | bass
Ali Richardson | drums

Rob Callard | drums (on this record)

Review:

Sylosis are the kind of band I have seen in the mainstream metal press (or on the magazine cover, at least) but have never taken interest in or heard. The reasons for this? I have no idea. I assumed that they were metalcore/some other modern bastardisation of metal that I was not really interested in. To set the record straight right off the bat: this is metal. It is metal in the modern sense, huge and powerful production and mixes lots of genres together; thrash, death, doom, Machine Head-esque modern metal and even the NWOAHM sounds of God Forbid and Lamb of God. There are solos, there are thrash sections, there are slower tracks, all wrapped up in the kind of production that would have been UNTHINKABLE for a metal band from England to have attained 15 years ago. It really does demonstrate how making records has changed since 2000.

‘Where The Wolves Come to Die’ is a slow burner of an opener, heavy and menacing in the right measure.  ‘Victims and Pawns’ is thrashy and brutal- cracking solo as well (in the modern style)

‘Dormant Heart’ makes for a fine title track- Fear Factory inspired riffing and stop-on-a-dime dynamics- this really is exemplary modern metal. There are Maiden elements to the guitar work, but with thrashing speed. The drums are pro-toolsy and suit the music well- they are played with precision and speed (lovely tom sound, too). Rob Callard puts in his last performance on drums for the band. He should be proud of what he achieved here. I am not usually a fan of very bright production, but the genre of metal must move forward if it wants to survive and progress; bands like Sylosis are doing this. They provide a modern technology savvy take on the genre and bring dexterity and light and shade to the music.

‘To Build a Tomb’ has an excellent trad-metal guitar opening, then is all brutality before a bridge of black metal-esque melody and then back into the fray. The trad-metal vibe continues elsewhere in the track and works superbly. Some truly punishing riffs help out as well. ‘Overthrown’ is a thrashing number with time changes and no small amount of melody. Honestly, I think most metal fans of most genres would find something to enjoy here. There are clean vocals on this one in the soaring manner of Shadows Fall et al, which is not really my thing... but, dammit, the band are trying things and adding variety to the album.

‘Leech’ takes the album to and over the half way mark and incorporates a nice build up section to a time change and immediate verse. The melodies are strong on this track and quite melancholy in some places- reminding me, oddly of 70's era Priest. Strange, but true! ‘Servitude’ is a groove based affair- slower and head nod inducing. It's heavy, for sure, but without mindless repetition. The songs are thought out and have lots of changes to keep things interesting. Check out the middle thrash section for proof.

‘Indoctrinated’ starts with a clean intro but then gets very heavy indeed. For my money, it is the heaviest track on the album and is well placed at this particular juncture as it provides an adrenaline shot of righteous fury prior to the album's final four tracks. ‘Harm’ is positively laid back in comparison but still provides soaring solos a good rolling bass drum groove for the verses too.

‘Mercy’ starts strongly; again there is lots of variety on show here. On this album's showing, Sylosis remind me a little of Mastodon in that they draw things from a lot of places to sound quite unique. Sylosis are a more straightforward proposition- but they still have variety in riffs, vocals and rhythms like their American counterparts. The track reveals itself to be one of the record's best. Great riffs.

‘Callous Souls’ is heads down thrash with pit-ready breakdowns and changes. An interesting point to note is that all the tracks come in around four to five minutes in length (or thereabouts)- this shows a band who know their preferred structures and craft their music to fit uniform song writing approaches and so on- a thought out approach, in other words, and it stands them in good stead.

‘Quiescent’ bucks this approach with clean guitars, creepy atmospherics, clean sung vocals and a wholly different approach to sound and content as compared to rest of the record. Sylosis thus invite comparisons to bands such as Iron Maiden, Machine Head and Mastodon- all bands who have finished with an epic closer on strong albums. The comparisons, I have to say, would not be inaccurate. This is, by any definition or sub genre, an excellent modern metal album of the highest quality.

Words by: Richard Maw

‘Dormant Heart’ is out now

For more information:

Official | Facebook  

The Sludgelord News: SYLOSIS | Stream 'Dormant Heart' in full online!

Despite the name, SYLOSIS' forthcoming release Dormant Heart is not a peaceful album: It’s about a powerful force unleashing anger against everyday injustice and a sleeping society that lets these things wash over them. The album is due to be released next week January the 12th but fans don't have to wait until then to hear the band's new offering as the guys are hosting an exclusive pre-release stream, which can be found at this location: http://smarturl.it/DormantHeartAlbum

SYLOSIS began tracking the new album back in March 2014, working away secretly alongside touring commitments. Drum tracks were recorded in May at Monkey Puzzle House by original drummer Rob Callard, who parted ways with the band last month due to time restraints. After filling in for some live shows during SYLOSIS’ Spring 2014 tour, BLEED FROM WITHIN’s drummer Ali Richardson is now a permanent member of the band. The album was produced by Middleton with the help of engineer Scott Atkins and was mastered by TesseracT guitarist Acle Kahney.

Dormant Heart tracklist:

1. Where The Wolves Come To Die
2. Victims And Pawns
3. Dormant Heart
4. To Build A Tomb
5. Overthrown
6. Leech
7. Servitude
8. Indoctrinated
9. Harm
10. Mercy
11. Callous Souls
12. Quiescent
Bonus tracks:
12. Pillars Erode
13. Zero (Smashin’ Pumpkins cover)

Bonus DVD
The Dormant Heart Sessions - Live in the studio

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM PLUS SIGNED INSERT:

Vinyl & CD/DVD inc signed insert from Recordstore.co.uk:http://bit.ly/dormantheartrs

PRE-ORDER THE LIMITED EDITION DOUBLE GOLD VINYL:
​

Only 50 copies available - order before they all sell out: http://bit.ly/dormantheartvinyl

PRE-ORDER BUNDLES, TEES, POSTERS & MORE FROM THE BAND STORE:

Pre-order from the band's online webstore: http://bit.ly/dormantheart

Source: Nuclear Blast UK

Live Review : Sylosis, Manchester Academy 2, UK, 09/04/2014

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that being in a metal band ‘aint the easiest of occupations. Putting pen to paper and signing a record deal is a highly attainable aspiration for some many bright-eyed musicians the world over; the ones fired by a love of the genre and a determination to turn hobby into breadwinning, but with that signature comes blood, sweat, tears and drama as well as affirming the realization of a lifelong dream.

Reading quartet Sylosis are one band who know all about the hard side of being in a metal band. While touring the US with Trivium and DevilDriver in the autumn of 2013, playing their part in their biggest tour to date, a golden opportunity to convert thousands of new fans and take the band to the next level, they were involved in a serious RV crash. While all of the members survived, they were physically and mentally unable to continue with the tour. No sooner than life had handed the band a route to bigger and better things, it was snatched away from their grasp.

Three members of the band were hospitalized and several days after the crash, mainman Josh Middleton posted a message to their fans which hammered home the implications of the crash, showing people the logistical nightmares that arose as a consequence to the crash. “Aside from the physical issues that prevent us from continuing on with the tour it has also put us in thousands of pounds worth of debt,” read the message. “[This is] due to losing the deposit (and now paying extra) on the RV, damaged trailer, booking new flights home, equipment damage and we're now incurring all kinds of transport/accommodation costs as we make our journey home.” The band’s fortunes had reversed dramatically in a millisecond: From traversing the States with two of the nation’s most well-respected modern metal bands with the world at their feet to having the weight of that world climb incomprehensibly onto their shoulders and drag them down into obscurity and bankruptcy.

“The last thing we want is for people to think we're now cashing in on the accident and taking advantage of people's sympathy, but we need some help right now,” it continued, before releasing details about two new, exclusive shirts the band had launched on their website. “I can't stress enough that we do not intend to exploit the situation,” the band needed money to survive, otherwise they simply couldn’t have carried on.

We can now say, with a pleasing exhalation that lifts the weight from the bands shoulders, that that specific chapter in the band’s history is exactly in; in the past. 18 months later and they find themselves on the road with DevilDriver once more, this time in the UK as main support to the band who are supporting their blistering new record, Winter Kills. It’s funny how the circle of life revolves, but it seems fitting that they are back on the road with one of the band’s that had so cruelly left on that tour. 

With drummer Jay Colios-Terry missing from the tour due to work commitments – the band still have to hold down jobs outside the band to support their musical brainchild – giving further proof of the rocky road that being in a metal band takes you down, the band can reap serious rewards in this tour.

With Bleed From Within drummer, Ali Richardson providing the band’s snarling engine, they were greeted on stage at Manchester Academy 2 like headliners. Instantaneously the crowd became a raging sea of headbanging hair and beards, of beers and horns held likewise aloft. The crash seems to have cemented their place in many a metalhead’s heart as a searing passion tantalized the venue. After all, metalhead’s have always been the outsiders and outsiders root for the underdog. The crash was like fate had shat on the little guy, only for the little guy to fight back and reign supreme. From the unrelenting pounding Fear The World, which packs the groove of Decapitated with the drive of Testament and the harmonies of Kvelertak into one astounding package, to sweep-laden, black metal tinged punch of Empyreal, there was never any doubting of this band’s ability.

Whether or not this tale will have a truly happy ending or not only time will tell, but for now they are firmly embedded in arguably their most promising, adhering chapter so far. Logistical factors will always be a thorn in their side, as they are with most bands out there – even Metallica have their gripes – but Sylosis are on fine form right now and you wouldn’t bank against them truly taking off.

Set list:

Fear The World
Conclusion of an Age
All Is Not Well
Teras
Altered States of Consciousness
Empyreal

Words by : Phil Weller