Hails and cheers my brothers and sisters of Metal! I just want to say how thrilled I am (ok, I'm fucking excited.. I'll admit it) to, not only interview Josh Middelton from SYLOSIS, but to also review their latest offering to the metal community, "Monolith". I can only describe it as Thrash meets melodic Metal in the most glorious fashion. This album is amazing. "Monolith"is a concept album, of sorts, loosely pulled from the Greek story Orpheus and Eurydice. To quote Middelton: "It's quite far-fetched but it's about this guy who loses his wife and tries to bring her back from underworld. This giant monolith starts to grow out of her tomb. The most prevalent theme beneath it all is sort of accepting that you might not be as nice a person as you once thought. It sounds really cheesy but everyone has a darker side to their personality in terms of being selfish, manipulative or dishonest."

The opening track, "Out From Below", draws you in with these un-nerving guitar tones that peak your curiosity. From there the ensuing riffs make you feel like you have just drawn back a heavy curtain, to reveal the Greek tragedy actually being performed before your eyes. The whole album gives me that sense, like I'm watching a play from beginning to end. That, we all know, is the mark of an excellent concept album. The recording is amazing, with nothing too high or too low, and everything instrument stands out, yet blends together too exquisitely. It is a work of art, but what would you expect out of Monnow Valley Studios (BLACK SABBATH, LED ZEPPELIN, RUSH)?

As for any standout tracks, the whole album is epic, but I would have to say "Enshrined", with its intricate leads, and under lying brutal rhythm works, really blends the opposing sounds into an amazing last track song. For a rating, I'd give this a 10 out of 10. Until next time, stay well, and live free! Cheers!