The Sylosis Monolith – Review

Though it took them a little while to get going (the band formed in 2000), Sylosis has nevertheless established themselves as one of the more interesting and versatile bands in the metal scene today. Incorporating several styles into their music, the band fuses together the riffing of thrash, the melodies and lead guitar work of melodic death, with a hint of metalcore to form an end result of just pure awesome metal music. Following up on two solid predecessors, Conclusion of An Age and Edge of the Earth, Sylosis’ third album marks yet another standout in the band’s rising and prosperous career. Are you ready for the Monolith?

Band: Sylosis
Album: Monolith
Genre: Progressive/Thrash Metal
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release: October 5th, 2012

Sylosis is largely a thrash metal band, but usually seems to appeal more to the melodic death metal crowd and with good reason; while there are fat, heavy riffs aplenty, the characteristics of melodeath are almost always meshed in. Tasty sweep arpeggios, shredding, and harmonies add flavor to what would otherwise be a very boring album… a metalcore album if you will. Chugga chugga chug… But I wouldn’t be praising this talented band if that were the case, now would I? Boredom, you are not to be found anywhere on Monolith. Sylosis unleashes a powerful metal onslaught that crumbles walls and splits the ground like a cyclone. It all starts with vocalist Josh Middleton, whose voice is a force to be reckoned with. The sheer power thundering from his lungs is earth shattering but he’s by no means a one trick pony, as he demonstrates his vocal range throughout the record, particularly in “Behind the Sun,” where he hits highs very much reminiscent of Randy Blythe. The guy is an absolute monster and fans of August Burns Red and Lamb of God will fall in love with his approach.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AoY0esZBhw]

Rhythm guitar is often overlooked in metal nowadays, considering that there are so many exceptional shredders in today’s scene. Guitarists are becoming more advanced than ever, and it’s reaching a point where a level that used to be mind-blowing is becoming ho-hum. Even the legendary Yngwie Malmsteen suddenly doesn’t look so spectacular now that everyone’s going H.A.M. on the fretboard. But what would the songs be without the riffs? Riff lovers, this is the album for you, as Monolith is a refreshing, thrashy riff oasis. The rhythm guitars on this album are excellent; catchy, melodic, and heavy as balls. The lead guitar work ain’t bad either, that’s for sure. The solos are melodic and very musical, but the guitarist is clearly no rookie at shredding. “Fear the World” is probably my favorite example, as Alex Bailey sweeps some pretty cool arpeggio patterns with squeaky clean execution. Hell, I think I’ll learn it! The drums and the guitar compliment each other perfectly. Rob Callard’s drums are fast, furious, and sync in perfectly with the rhythm guitars. The chemistry found here is excellent, and band has never sounded tighter in my opinion. These lads can clearly play their instruments.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJrk3RQe7wE]

Sylosis continues to prove themselves as a force of nature in the modern metal community, quietly rising from their years of obscurity into one of the most brutal bands on the scene today. Their latest release, Monolith, offers yet another solid helping of melodic thrash metal, with backbreaking riffs, blistering leads, and heavy breakdowns. Make sure to pick it up on October 5^th and come out to see these guys rock the states with Lamb of God and In Flames this fall!

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Guest Review by Paul DeSanctis