A sign of things to come on Sylosis’ return down under

British metal titans Sylosis are finally back in Australia for the first time since 2013’s Soundwave Festival. Led by guitarist/vocalist Josh Middleton, who has returned to the band full-time after a lengthy tenure with Architects, Sylosis arrive with new tracks from their 2023 album A Sign Of Things To Come and last year’s EP The Path. Ahead of their Perth show at Magnet House on Tuesday, February 11—and with tickets on sale now—BRAYDEN EDWARDS caught up with Josh Middleton to discuss the band’s return, their new music, and what fans can expect from the live shows.

It’s great to have Sylosis back touring Australia for the first time in over a decade! A lot has changed since you last performed here for Soundwave back in 2013. How does it feel to be bringing your live show to Aussie fans again?

I’m really excited to get back over there. I’ve been there about four times since then when I was with Architects, and Australia is one of my favourite places to tour. I also feel like as a live band we’re the best we’ve ever been. Our shows are a lot more high-energy these days.

In the past 18 months, you have not only treated fans to a new album, 2023’s A Sign of Things to Come, but also last year’s new EP The Path! Starting with the album, you’ve said you set out to make it a ‘classic metal record.’ Did that mean you were tapping into some of your earliest influences? How did you approach the writing and recording of A Sign of Things to Come differently from previous records?

Yeah, there was definitely a lot of tapping into the records from our youth. Albums that you just keep going back to and are considered ‘classic’ albums. Analysing why those records are the ones we always want to go back to and listen to. I think our songwriting in the past was a bit long-winded and was missing out on those big, memorable, or anthemic moments. We really needed to step our game up and make an album that solidified our place in the metal world. Make a really concise album that stands the test of time.

And how about The Path?  Was that a release you set out to do, or did you find you had more material that could fit onto one full-length?

The Path is leftover tracks from the ASOTTC writing/recording session. All of the songs were recorded and mixed at the same time. But I did an updated mix for the song The Path just before the release as I felt I could improve upon the sound of it. When it came to picking the track listing for the record, it was really tough. This time we wanted to make a 10-track album where all the songs fit on one single vinyl disc. We actually let our management and label give their input for the running order. I think some of the songs on The Path are some of the best songs we’ve ever done, but they just didn’t feel right on the record.

In the years since Sylosis last played in Australia, you’ve spent some time playing with and touring with Architects, even visiting Bunbury for Groovin the Moo back in 2017. That was a wild crowd I recall! Did you feel your experience with Architects shaped your approach to writing for Sylosis? Or are they very much a different beast?

The main thing that it shaped was just allowing myself to collaborate more and seek out more external input. When I started writing with Architects, I had never really had anyone change the structures of my songs or chop things up and switch parts around. It was hard to get used to at first, but now I really seek out other people’s input and get out of my own way a bit more when it comes to writing.

You’re bringing Canadian act Angelmaker along for the ride too! What made them a good fit for this tour, and what can we expect from their live show?

They’re a great upcoming band, and we always like to try and bring a diverse line-up as opposed to bands that all sound the same. Lune are also out with us, and we’ve toured with their guitarist Harrison before when he was filling in for Justice For The Damned.

What’s next for you and the band on the other side of the tour? Any plans for more new music on the way?

We’re touring a lot at the moment. We’re going to America again after Australia with Trivium and Bullet For My Valentine, but we are constantly working on new material as well! Want to get back in the studio ASAP.

Sylosis play Magnet House on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Tickets are on sale now from tickets.393murray.com.au