Bonus: Sylosis just posted a full album stream of their new record, Dormant Heart.
A few years ago, I was lucky enough to catch Sylosis on tour with Lamb of God and In Flames, and was impressed by their excellent guitar work and engaging stage presence. I had the chance to chat with Josh Middleton (no relation to Kate I assume), the band's lead singer and guitarist.
I found out a little bit about the band's upcoming album, Dormant Heart, and some details about their touring plans for 2015. And in an age of constant genre-splitting, I was impressed that he positively affirmed the band's stance as a thrash metal band.
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Metal Injection: Of all the bands you've toured with, who were you most nervous or star-struck to share the stage with?
Josh: In terms of proper tours, the one with Lamb of God was pretty crazy. The shows were huge and obviously we've been fans of that band since their first album but they're all incredibly down to earth. We did Soundwave Festival in Australia in 2013 which Metallica were on. I was watching Ghost side stage and noticed James Hetfield a few feet away rocking out and singing along whilst eating a chicken salad or something. I sheepishly asked him for a picture, everyone else then noticed him and he had to flee. I think I ruined his afternoon as he was having a whale of a time before I bugged him.
Why the use of the sacrificial lamb imagery on the album cover?
It's just a symbolic image really. There's an ominous figure in the background as well. It basically implies that this woman feels pressured to comply against her will. It represents how people tend to stick with traditions without thinking about them, fear of change, not wanting to be different or not thinking their actions can make a difference. It sounds a bit pretentious but the main thing is we wanted strong, memorable imagery.
Is there a central message or theme you're trying to get across with this album?
There is a bit of a running theme throughout the album. What I touched upon previously, the album deals with how people can go through life absorbed in their own little world or not really thinking for themselves or paying attention to what's going on in society, politically or even environmentally. I don't exclude myself from that, I'm far from perfect but there is a lot to be angry about at the moment and there is a lot of complacency or ignorance in society. I know that's kind of vague, cliche or pretentious sounding but I try not to be too specific lyrically and dont like forcing my opinions on people. If everyone just started examining the big picture more and thinking for themselves that's the goal.
What are your touring plans for the year?
We'll be doing a UK/European tour to begin with and then we've got some killer European festival slots early summer then we'll hopefully get back over to the US in summer or before the end of the year but nothing set in stone yet. But fingers crossed! We'll be touring as much as possible.
You're four albums into your career now, how do you keep the ideas flowing for each release?
I think our last two albums established our sound and from here we feel we can just give each album it's own vibe. This one is pretty dark and gloomy and some of the more doomy influences have crept throuh but it doesn't mean that's a direction we're heading in. We'll always have one foot in the sound we're known for but try to give each album it's own unique character. Next we could do a full on technical thrash album or a really prog rock inspired 50 minute long song. We have such a broad range of influences that we feel we're only just getting started. Although we're predominantly a thrash band, and always will be, we have so much else going on in our sound that we don't feel we're anywhere near exhausting any aspect of it. If that makes sense.
Who are some lesser-known underground bands coming out of the UK today that you think more people should know about?
Our friends in Chapters and Hang The Bastard are up there. A lot of people have probably already heard of Xerath who are also good friends of ours and just as tight live as they are on CD. Chapters are really progressive and inspired by bands such as Death all the way to bands like Mono. Hang The Bastard are super dirty, sludgy metal. I can't say my fingers totally on the pulse but it's a small country and a small scene. There aren't too many bands making a name for themselves internationally at the moment but all of those guys spring to mind. They're all incredibly awesome and worth checking out.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d4efWeXAr8[/youtube]
