Review Summary: Sylosis offer an extremely potent brand of metal, consisting of aggressive thrash/death metal backed by melodic guitar work and a knack for creativity.
Genres such as thrash and death metal are for the most part predictable and repetitive, with modern acts often copying their influences, rarely adding anything new to the two genres. Bands such as Exodus, Death, and Slayer are far too often emulated by so-called revivalist acts that rarely live up to the bands they are copying. Sylosis on the other hand, stand out from the pack. While there is a lot of standard issue death/thrash metal going on, they also have their own creative spin on their music.
At first glance, it would seem that has Sylosis taken up a very standard heavy and aggressive approach to songwriting, with fast drumming, masterful guitar work, and intense vocals. The riffing is varied and effectively memorable, with each riff expertly executed with little repetition. The drumming is also a strong asset to this band’s musical output, keeping the tempo decidedly fast, and at the same time adding its own creative input to the album. The vocals on the other hand, are another thing entirely. Sylosis vocalist Josh Middleton’s delivery is very much a stereotypical affair, consisting of brutal sounding shouts and low growls that add to the intensity and angry feel the band is trying to exert, but this method of vocalizing is not very original and is certainly an acquired taste few will enjoy. While Sylosis has all the normal elements of the genres they play, the band also presents a unique aspect that makes their music truly different.
While the band does play very aggressive death/thrash metal, they have another side to their music entirely. At certain points in the album, the music may occasionally slow down and become more melodic, which certainly gives the album a more varied feel and increases this albums lasting appeal. Several carefully placed tempo changes, melodically creative guitar work, and an eerie atmospheric ambiance that will make you day dream save this album from sounding like just another average band. In fact, these tempo changes and melodic offerings have led some to tag this album with the progressive label, but that is for you to decide. However, one thing is for certain, while so many other bands find one comfortable sound and stick with it, Sylosis mix it up, experimenting with their sound and trying new things, making for a fresh and memorable listen, and while they do play thrash and death metal, their music sounds very modern and accessible for the modern metal head.
The tracks flow together seamlessly, so there is never a dull moment. The album’s production is also adequate, with the band getting the most out of their sound, although the bass could stand to be a bit more audible at times. Sylosis are also known for their long songs, and this album only continues the band’s trend of putting forth long and jam packed tracks, with the record clocking in at a whopping seventy-two minutes. However, there is much to be said for the band’s ability to hold the listener’s attention despite the album length, as each song has something to like, and the tracks never become boring and stale.
While certainly not a perfect outing, this is an album worthy of a listen from anyone who enjoys death metal or thrash. This albums combines the two together and puts a melodic spin on it like no other album I have heard this year, and that makes this record particularly special. The vocals are an acquired taste, but even someone who doesn't like this method of vocalizing will find something to like in the expertly done instrumentals. While so many other bands would rather look to the past, bands like Sylosis experiment and raise the bar for modern metal.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS:
- Fear The World
- What Dwells Within
- Behind The Sun
- Monolith
