Josh Middleton et al return with the followup to 2020’s Cycle of Suffering, a clipped down mean hunk of metal that returns to the bands roots. As Middleton puts it, “I was ruthless with myself during the writing process…making sure everything had a place and a purpose to serve the album.”
Not only have Sylosis succeeded in producing a finely honed yet anthemic record, they have done so off the back of a largely non existent touring cycle (due to the time Cycle of Suffering was released). The new record brings back a leaner sound that hearkens back to the early days of the band, a tight yet expressive audible assault that combines chainsaw guitars, masterfully crafted riffs and the best vocals Middleton has ever produced. When he was writing the record Middleton cited listening to classic albums such as Far Beyond Driven, Black Album and Iowa, to inspire the heavy, yet intensely anthemic approach.
“A tight yet expressive audible assault that combines chainsaw guitars, masterfully crafted riffs and the best vocals Middleton has ever produced.”
The band have dipped into more atmospheric realms with this release, deciding that a more diverse aural palette is the way to go. This is no more apparent than in the track ‘Absent’ with it’s post-industrial styling and quietly accomplished vocals. During the production for the album, Middleton seems to have been pushed further than he has been before, not only with his guitar work, but also with his vocal range, so much so he evokes a little bit of the great Corey Taylor. Unsurprisng really, given that Iowa is listed as one of the main influences when writing the record. The song starts with a quiet industrial dirge before dropping into a soaring triumphant leads, backed by huge chords that the titans of ancient myth would be happy to stride into battle to. Although it’s a relatively tame affair compared to some of the more balls-to-the-wall metal tracks that are elsewhere on the album, ‘Absent’ is the right combination of haunting and epic that showcases a new, more polished Sylosis.
The new album cycle that starts with the release of A Sign Of Things To Come, is surely to be a career defining affair for Sylosis. With singles like monstrousness title track only merely hinting towards the greater power within this record, this album brings forth a new iteration of the band, where all the members have come together to produce something that not only looks backwards with wanton abandon, but also surges forwards with an accelerationist’s mindset, destroying everything in it’s path, leaving you wanting only more. The live shows that will no doubt soon be announced will be utterly devastating, and we can’t recommend them enough, get down there, get in the pit, get euphoric over the soaring leads, get happy, get sad, just feel.
It’s difficult to pick out single tracks that stand out off the album. Every single song seems like it’s the bands best work, coupled with the unparalleled production of Scott Atkins (Amon Amarth/ Cradle of Filth) this is a sonic leviathan that begs to be listened to over and over again.