I've been a huge fan of Sylosis since the first album, so I eagerly await all their new releases.
I need to listen to this new album a few more times to really let it sink in, but right now I'd
rate it a 3.0. Their weakest work imo, but still good. Any long-time fan should get some enjoyment
out of this.
Traditional Sylosis is still in here, but they're really trying to balance it with a slightly more
stripped down songwriting approach. You're still getting some ridiculous shred solos, great
melodies, and finger-twisting riffs. It's just that many of the songs have less twists and turns
than Sylosis normally writes. I think the songs 'Pariahs' and 'Judas' are the most traditional
sounding.
There's definitely much more emphasis on hooky/anthemic vocals and choruses. Which, to be fair,
Sylosis has done to varying degrees before. Think of songs like 'Leech' or 'Mercy' from their
Dormant Heart album, "I Sever" from Cycle of Suffering. Hell, the ninth track off this new album,
'Thorns' reminds me of the final track from Edge of the Earth. But rather than sprinkling this
element in two or three songs throughout the album, you've got nearly an entire album where these
moments are injected in the songs.
This definitely feels like a crossroads for them. Hopefully the future brings a better fusion of
their old approach with this new one. All that said, if this is them trying to add broader appeal
to their songs, I would say it's better than what the average metal band puts out. It's just not
as unique as what Sylosis has done on their 5 previous albums.
2 Bumps | Bump |
