Sylosis - A Sign of Things to Come Review

Review

Sep 4

With the release of their sixth studio record, Sylosis have once again set the bar for modern thrash metal.

With the release of their sixth studio record, Sylosis once again has raised the bar for modern thrash-infused death metal. A Sign of Things to Come delivers everything we've come to expect from a band firing on all cylinders but this time, offer the listener even more.

With each release thus far, Sylosis has yet to rest on any laurels, and consistently release stronger and more confrontational material. This is no small feat for any project, let alone a band that has existed for over 2 decades.

If you haven't heard of Sylosis yet, they are a band hailing from the UK with an uncanny ability to showcase a firm grasp of melody whilst crafting epic songs with memorable structure variations. Their journey began in the early 2000s, with two EPs, a demo and a single, before the release of their 2008 debut full-length album, Conclusion of an Age, an album that pays homage to the classic Bay Area thrash sound. Over time, the beast grew and evolved, embracing more progressive and melodic death metal elements with 2011's Edge of the Earth, which, in my opinion, stands as a monument, as one of the greatest records ever written, not just in metal but in any genre.

Sylosis’ discography continued to impress with the release of their 2012 concept album Monolith. Their captivating style progressed and matured throughout their following releases and culminated in 2015's Dormant Heart. The band then took a brief hiatus while singer & guitarist Josh Middleton joined Architects.

When they announced a new lineup in 2020 fans were introduced to the new heavyweight bill featuring Ali Richardson (Bleed From Within), Conor Marshall (Conjurer), long-time guitarist Alex Bailey, and, of course, Josh Middleton.

Having been denied the chance to tour in support of their last album Cycle Of Suffering, due to covid. The band is back for what will be a career-defining album cycle with A Sign of Things to Come.

The album opens with the first single, Deadwood, delivering an onslaught of riffs that continue relentlessly into the verses, accentuated by what I can only describe as an anvil-like impact on the snare strikes. The track's heaviness is complemented by an infectious chorus and notable guitar solos, thus setting the tone for the album.

However, as we’ve come to expect from Sylosis. A Sign of Things to Come is far from repetitive. Weaving a sonic tapestry fans will return to time and time again. All three of the album's singles, the third being "Poison for the Lost," are each well and truly their own.

A Sign of Things to Come, the title track, marks an early change of pace and introduces an unfamiliar aspect to the Sylosis sound: clean vocals from Middleton. His dedication to honing his voice for this album shines through, turning the song into a powerful anthem which one can expect to have strong crowd participation live.

Middleton explains “that the song is a declaration of dismay towards the modern world, exploring the anxiety of an uncertain future and the sense of division in a society where everyone seems to be pitted against each other.”

The shortest track on the album, Pariahs, immediately follows and it is easily one of the most crushing. A fist-pumping chug fest from start to finish, it is again a track destined to be favoured by fans, and live, will be a standout.

The album's midpoint, Descent, maintains similar notes, you’ll have the lines “And it feels like the walls are closing in maybe they are and we’re afraid to see it'“ etched in your mind long after the music ceases and the ringing in your ears settles.

Absent provides a much-needed chance to catch your breath. Whilst not necessarily a power ballad, this song calms the assault. Starting with a sombre clean intro before launching into one of Sylosis’ most outstanding solos to date. It’s also a showcase for Josh Middleton's ever-improving vocal abilities.

He reflects on the album: "My approach on this record has been to rediscover what I loved about metal when I first discovered it! That’s the feeling I wanted to capture on this record – imagining the first time I plugged into my amp and cranked the volume at band practice; so powerful and energizing. I think you can feel that on this record!"

As a fan of longer albums, I've never been disappointed by Sylosis, and A Sign of Things to Come maintains that tradition. The second half of the album contains standout tracks Eye for an Eye, Thorns, Judas, and the epic conclusion, A Godless Throne. Middleton shares his inspiration: "I’m a big fan of progressive and long albums, but I was ruthless on myself during the writing process. Song selection was important, making sure everything had a place and purpose to serve the album. I spent a lot of time listening back to those classic records, hearing how the anthemic elements were brought through, alongside crushing riffs. Something like Pantera’s Far Beyond Driven, Metallica’s Black Album, and Slipknot’s Iowa… anthemic, intense, and heavy!"

After six records, Sylosis continues to break new ground and uproot our expectations again and again. Pushing genres to their extremes, melding elements like no one else in modern metal. A Sign of Things to Come will undoubtedly find its place at the top of many album of the year lists.

A Sign Of Things To Come is set to be released on September 8th via Nuclear Blast.

Tracklist:

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