Conclusion of an Age by Sylosis
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Release date : October 2008
Reviewed by Eric Stephens
Background information
Review
Background information
In early July 2008, the title of Sylosis' debut full length was revealed to be Conclusion of an Age. Previously, the Reading, Berkshire, UK act had released two EPs, namely Casting the Shadows (2006) and The Supreme Oppressor (2007), via In At the Deep End Records. Slated for issue during late October, Conclusion of an Age's issue would be handled by Nuclear Blast Records. With producer Scott Atkins, the album was recorded at Grindstone Studios. Reportedly, the record's lyrical theme deals with the direction which the planet is venturing towards, and the consequences that humanity will face. During early August, Conclusion of an Age's artwork was unveiled. Designed by Colin Marks of Rain Song Studios, the man had previously created artwork for the likes of Strapping Young Lad, Aborted and Whitechapel. Later in the month, the album's title cut, as well as “Teras”, was made available for streaming via Sylosis' official MySpace page. Two trailers were issued in support of the album during September, and another two were issued during October.
Review
The wind blows, and sea waves crash behind a soft acoustic melody, marking another chapter in the life of Sylosis. However, don't foolishly assume that Conclusion of an Age falls short of being a scorching Metal full length - of the album's tracks, “Desolate Seas” is the only cut which actually favours a gentle approach. “After Lifeless Years” is the inaugural composition to exemplify Sylosis' genuine meat, not to mention Conclusion of an Age's genuine meat. Quickly employing Speed / Thrash stylings, the track features Jamie Graham's growls, and these vocals team against Josh Middleton and Bailey's axework, which drive “After Lifeless Years”. “After Lifeless Years”'s whole sound is greatly comparable to the sonics utilized by All That Remains and The Black Dahlia Murder, featuring dual running guitar parts, and clean Power vocals. Upon the title cut, Callard's pacy drumming is lent a marvelous opportunity to shine. “Conclusion of an Age” races at breakneck speed, and possesses both squealing guitars, and thrashing solos. In this respect, the number bears shades of Evile. Whilst Conclusion of an Age's artwork, as well as several song titles, firmly convey a Progressive ambience, Sylosis exhibit unadulterated Thrash hallmarks, despite being technically sound enough to incorporate more Progressive ingredients. “Swallow the World” and “Last Remaining Light” inaugurate via a slow demeanour, the only tracks to do so. Eventually however, the outfit bursts into shredding Speed Metal.
Upon Conclusion of an Age, Sylosis is musically strong. However, the full length lacks that coveted “x factor”, and fails to distinguish itself from material penned by similarly styled contemporaries. Of Conclusion of an Age's tracks, “After Lifeless Years” is the only number which boasts a mixture of screams, as well as clean and Death growls, and this reviewer is curious as to why that is the case. Holding a broad range, Graham employs potent, clean vocals, and the fact that the full length fails to wholly exploit this strength is a disappointment. Middleton's lead guitar work compliments Bailey's stylings, helping to lend the material its screaming edge. Illustrating a staunch ability within both, this affords Sylosis a vast scope. Those who particularly enjoy The Black Dahlia Murder's material, and groups which tread a similar musical path, will draw satisfaction from Conclusion of an Age. Albeit not dissimilar, the full length happens to be just as great. Upon future outings, it would be warming to hear more technical stylings - stylings which somewhat surfaced during the title cut.
