I got into Sylosis on the strength of the “Edge of the Earth” album. They were labeled as progressive thrash metal. I never quite understood the “progressive” tag but there is no mistaking that they can really PLAY. “Edge of the Earth” was relentless 70 plus minute thrashfest with the notes flying everywhere. Their last album “Monolith” was similar but showed signs of more mature songwriting. Now they are back with “Dormant Heart.”
The album starts off differently than the previous albums with a slower song “Where the Wolves Come to Die” which serves like an introduction. It allows the listener to settle in before the standard thrasher “Victims and Pawns” runs you over. But that’s not the only slower moment on the record. “To Build a Tomb” is more of a groove metal song with a cool progressive riff that eventually goes off the rails at top speed. The varied tempos actually make the faster tracks sound heavier because there is that variance and change of pace.
The other thing I noticed is that the band is probably more melodic as well. “Leech” has a very catchy chorus, but rest assured it is NOT a pop song at all. It’s nice to have a song that you can sing along to or in Sylosis’ case, scream along to. The most interesting track is the epic closer “Quiescent” which features singing! Yes Josh Middleton can do clean vocals! Again, it’s not poppy at all, but it does allow different shades and colors to their music.
It is by far their most progressive track as well. He also does some clean singing in “Overthrown” which is one of my favorite tracks on the record. That song even has a piano on it
- yet it is always heavy throughout. And I have to mention "Servitude" as well
which has one of the best riffs the band has ever done. As I am typing this, the
riff is instantly in my head!
“Dormant Heart” is another solid album from Sylosis that shows the band is willing to expand their sound a bit while still holding true to their thrash roots. This is not a thrash album that a band like Exodus or Testament would do. Sylosis have developed a sound that is really unique to them and “Dormant Heart” is arguably their best album to date.
