Sylosis – Dormant Heart

Bonus tracks:
Pillars Erode
Zero (Smashin’ Pumpkins cover)
Bonus DVD
The Dormant Heart Sessions – Live in the studio

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“Cast me into desolation, I’ll find my path again” bellows Sylosis frontman Josh Middleton on “Mercy”, the first single from the UK metal quartet’s fourth full-length release, Dormant Heart.  There is a great deal of sincerity found in these lyrics, in this voice, and in this band.  Sylosis has been making a name for themselves within the metal community for some time, but the band was recently able to attain increased prominence following their 2012 release, Monolith.  This, in part, was also due to extensive touring with bands such as Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, Trivium, DevilDriver, Devin Townsend, and others, as well as appearances at various festivals around the world.  After yet another change in lineup, Sylosis is back with what could very well be their best, as well as their darkest, grittiest, and most pissed off record to date.

No word exists in The Oxford English Dictionary that can adequately describe the level of my excitement upon finding out that I would be given an opportunity to review Dormant Heart.  A few weeks ago, I rushed to indulge in the debut of “Mercy” just minutes after its release.  Now, after experiencing the album in full, I can say with conviction that Dormant Heart certainly lives up to the standard that Sylosis has set for themselves, as if there was ever any doubt that they would to begin with.

SYLOSIS – ‘Dormant Heart’ Trailer I (OFFICIAL INTERVIEW)

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The album’s first and shortest track, “Where the Wolves Come to Die”, serves as a fantastic opener that brings both heaviness and atmosphere.  An excellent cut in its own right, the track prepares listeners for the sheer brutality that soon follows.  “Victims and Pawns”, as well as title track “Dormant Heart”, feature Sylosis’ massive Bay Area Thrash influence at the forefront.  Both of these tracks contain sections that parallel the unique sounds heard on Monolith, but with a new, fresh approach.  These full-on thrashers, as well as others on Dormant Heart such as “Indoctrinated” and “Callous Souls”, are more than enough to supercharge your being within a matter of seconds.  On release day, be sure to leave the morning coffee at home; you won’t need it.

While select cuts from Dormant Heart spend a significant amount of time at higher BPMs, the massive groove that Sylosis is also known for is certainly heard throughout the record.  Tracks such as “To Build a Tomb”, “Overthrown”, and “Servitude” often leave me wondering how such an aggressive, ass-kicking, heavy-as-fuck sound is created in standard tuning.  Then again, most of what this band does leaves me in a similar state of astonishment. Guitar work provided by Josh Middleton and Alex Bailey weaves its way through your being, leaving listeners to pick their collective jaw up off of the goddamn ground.  “To Build a Tomb” and “Servitude” are personal favorites of mine on Dormant Heart.  The first time I heard them, my head was metaphorically sent spiraling into oblivion.

Sylosis – Dormant Heart Teaser

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Since initially taking on the role of lead vocalist after Jamie Graham’s departure from Sylosis, Josh Middleton’s vocal abilities have steadily improved with each release.  The frontman’s voice hits unexpected highs during both the verses and chorus of “Leech”, in which he soon after unleashes a breathtaking solo.  “Harm” and “Mercy” also showcase Middleton’s competence vocally, as well as the overall expected musicality from the entire band.  Before leaving Sylosis due to other obligations, former drummer Rob Callard laid down drum tracks that complement the material in every which way, along with longtime bassist Carl Parnell providing powerful blends of low-end.  “Mercy” is another personal favorite of mine, containing a chorus that is beneficially infectious and a doomy outro so enormous it practically destroys everything in its path.

Closing Dormant Heart is “Quiescent”, a track that stands apart from the preceding eleven.  Middleton sings cleanly over acoustic guitar, which gives way to an eruption of aggressiveness.  Without giving too much away, think of “Quiescent” to Dormant Heart as “Enshrined” is to Monolith, in a way.  The song and album fade, signifying a new beginning of sorts for a band that has seen an eventful two years since its previous effort.  Their dedication and contribution to the world of heavy music is unwavering.  Make no mistake; the future of metal lies in the hands of the mighty Sylosis.

Dormant Heart is sure to be one of the top releases of 2015. Pre-order an album bundle now! US/EU

5 out of 5 skulls!

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by Joe Koza, RockRevolt Magazine Journalist