SYLOSIS – Dormant Heart
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 29-01-2015
The fourth studio album for UK melodic death/thrash act Sylosis comes with a new drummer in Ali Richardson, and a lot of American attack nuances to keep the younger generation very happy. Josh Middleton’s caustic, Robb Flynn like roar cuts like a knife on tight picking numbers like "Victims and Pawns" and "Overthrown", while the rhythm section is built to drive the rhythms into militant pit-oriented madness. A lot of the build ups and breakdowns are familiar to those who love modern groove-chug, semi metal-core, the melodic elements coming up in certain guitar phrasings (trailing notes or hooks, such as the ones employed for "Leech" and the moodier, almost commercial "Harm".
Decent for what it is, and the fluid solos and harmonies give me a little hope, but overall Sylosis are another band that struggles to take the next step into exemplary, high caliber songwriting. Those who love Machine Head, Fear Factory, a bit of Mercenary, and As I Lay Dying will find plenty to cheer about – for my tastes, a little too samey to what’s already out there.