Review: Sylosis @ Lion Arts Factory 12/02/25

“In every note and every scream, Sylosis proved that they’re not just returning – they’re defining the landscape of modern metal with relentless passion and impeccable skill.”

Words & Images by Michael Lockheart

Sylosis @ Lion Arts Factory 12/02/25

On the day Adelaide was declared the hottest city on the planet, Lion Arts Factory hosted a night charged with raw energy and unbridled passion when UK metalcore legends Sylosis delivered a firey return to Australian shores – marking their first headline tour since performing as part of Soundwave 2013. With an evident swell of demand, the crowd was more than ready and well-versed in the band’s signature guttural choruses and intricate guitar work, all helmed by the ever-dynamic Josh Middleton.

The show ignited with ‘Empty Prophets’, setting the stage for what would become a ferocious journey through sound and fury. Sylosis wasted no time, plunging into ‘Pariahs’ next, with tight rhythmic pulses and an intensity that reverberated throughout the red brick hall. As the set unfolded – progressing through tracks like ‘I Sever’ and ‘Worship Decay’ – the band’s precision and visceral delivery was unmistakable, blending raw aggression with technical mastery. Each song featured guitar solo sections where Middleton propped up one of his fleet of ESP guitars to flawlessly enter into a shredding maelstrom of notes.

A standout moment came mid-set as Middleton paused to address the audience with earnest appreciation, admitting “I wasn’t sure what to expect in Australia, but thank you for coming back after 13 years”. His sincere words resonated deeply, reinforcing an intimate connection between the band, their fervent fans and the respect that Australian audiences have for the raw talent of this act. This interlude perfectly bridged the gap between the relentless pace of the performance and the reflective moments to come.

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Things picked up again as the band’s frantic momentum carried into ‘Teras’ which flowed seamlessly into the aptly titled, ‘A Sign of Things to Come.’ Here, the band showcased their ability to transition from crushing riffs to moments of calculated calm, building anticipation for what was next.

‘Servitude’ then shifted the mood, its sludgy, doomy tones offering a momentary respite before erupting into a strikingly sharp solo and a bruising breakdown that left no doubt about the band’s undeniable chops, elevated all the more by Bleed From Within’s Ali Richardson on drums.

Closing out with ‘Altered States of Consciousness’, ‘Poison for the Lost’, ‘Descent’ and the explosive ‘Deadwood’, Sylosis left the audience in a state of exhilarated awe. Their new EP, The Path, may still be flying under the radar for many, but witnessing the band in 2025 underscored a laser beam precision and raw, unyielding power that firmly cements their place as one of metal’s most underrated acts.

In every note and every scream, Sylosis proved that they’re not just returning – they’re defining the landscape of modern metal with relentless passion and impeccable skill.

Check out the full gallery of Sylosis images from their Adelaide gig here.

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