Sylosis’ 2012 album, “Monolith,” stands as a landmark achievement in their discography. Building upon the foundation laid by their previous releases, it offers a potent blend of technical thrash mastery, progressive song structures, and a newfound focus on atmosphere. “Monolith” is a sprawling and ambitious record, a testament to Sylosis’ creative evolution and their place as a frontrunner in the modern metal scene.
Thrash Foundations Remain Strong: A Feast for Headbangers
At its core, “Monolith” remains a feast for thrash enthusiasts. The album is packed with pummeling riffs, courtesy of the ever-impressive Josh Middleton, and relentless drumming by Rob Ainsworth. Tracks like “Aftermath” and “Empyreal Self” showcase this fierce energy, delivering a potent combination of speed and technicality that will have heads banging from start to finish.
Progressive Infiltration: Adding Depth and Dynamism
While the thrash roots remain strong, “Monolith” sees Sylosis incorporating progressive elements into their songwriting. Songs like the epic title track and the dynamic “Insentient” feature tempo changes, intricate time signatures, and instrumental sections that showcase the band’s impressive musical prowess. These progressive flourishes add depth and complexity to the album, keeping the listener engaged beyond the initial bursts of aggression.
Atmospheric Exploration: Building Tension and Enthralling Soundscapes
Sylosis isn’t content with simply delivering a technical thrash assault. “Monolith” also delves into atmospheric territory. The use of clean vocals, ambient effects, and acoustic passages in tracks like “A Flood of Light” and “Stained Glass Prophecy” adds a layer of depth and intrigue. These moments create a sense of tension and build a captivating soundscape that draws the listener into the album’s world.
Concept Album Elements: Exploring Existential Worries
Lyrically, “Monolith” explores themes of existential dread, the search for meaning in a chaotic world, and the struggle for self-discovery. These introspective themes resonate with the album’s atmospheric sections and progressive songwriting, creating a cohesive and thought-provoking listening experience.
Production Powerhouse: A Clear and Crushing Soundscape
The production on “Monolith” is top-notch. Each instrument is clear in the mix, allowing the intricate guitar work, thunderous drums, and both clean and growled vocals to shine through. The use of effects and ambience creates a captivating soundscape that perfectly complements the album’s dynamic range.
A Modern Thrash Masterpiece: A Must-Listen for Metal Fans
“Monolith” is a triumphant achievement for Sylosis. It’s an album that will satisfy fans of classic thrash with its relentless energy and technical proficiency, while also offering enough progressive elements and atmospheric exploration to appeal to a wider audience. With its ambition, creativity, and sheer musical muscle, “Monolith” stands as a modern thrash masterpiece, a must-listen for any metal enthusiast.
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended
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