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Interview with
JOSH MIDDLETON
from
SYLOSIS

The Journey of a Metal Titan

(27th August, 2024)

Interview with Dave Bruce

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Watch to the full interview below

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G’day, music lovers! Dave Bruce here from Amnplify, and today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Josh Middleton from the legendary Sylosis. As we head into 2024, it’s hard to believe that Sylosis has been around for nearly a quarter of a century. And yet, Josh still looks like he’s barely hit 25! Let’s dive into the origins of this powerhouse band and what the future holds.

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Sylosis

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The Beginnings of Sylosis

Sylosis started in the most organic way possible—just a couple of kids in school with a shared love for music. “I was around 11 or 12 when I met a kid on the first day of high school. We both played instruments—me on guitar, him on drums—and it turned out he lived down my street. So, I literally just grabbed my little amp and guitar, headed over to his place, and we started a band right then and there,” Josh reminisces.

Although that original drummer isn’t with Sylosis anymore, the band has gone through numerous lineup changes, all while maintaining their core identity. “We’ve been through many different members, but that’s when we started the band and came up with the name,” says Josh.

Early Gigs and Musical Influences

So, when did Sylosis start gigging? “We were gigging as teenagers, with our parents dropping us off at shows,” Josh chuckles. It’s not easy being in a band at such a young age, with all the discipline that music demands, but for Sylosis, it was all they wanted to do. “We rehearsed as much as we could. Our first proper show was a battle of the bands, and we won, which led to the recording of our first demo.”

Their influences were vast and varied, ranging from Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel to Pantera, Sepultura, and Machine Head. “We just wanted to be a metal band,” Josh explains, “and while we were coming out of the new metal phase, there was definitely an element of that in our sound.”

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Sylosis’ Sound: Metal Hammer’s Praise

When asked how he would describe Sylosis’ sound, Josh humbly shrugs off the accolades but acknowledges their place in the metal world. “Metal Hammer once said, ‘This is what real metal sounds like when executed by the best of the best.’ That’s a cool statement,” Josh admits. But for him, it’s about being true to their roots. “We always loved bands like Metallica, Pantera, Machine Head, Sepultura, and although we have elements of extreme stuff, we just wanted to be a metal band. That’s still where I see us.”

The Evolution of Sylosis

The band’s lineup has seen many changes, but Josh has been the consistent force driving Sylosis forward. “None of the original members have been in the band for about 20 years—it’s just me,” Josh reveals. This includes a significant shift in 2010 when Josh took over as the band’s vocalist. “Our singer left, and rather than lose momentum searching for the right person, I just decided to give it a shot.”

It’s hard to imagine Sylosis without Josh at the helm, both on guitar and vocals, and it’s clear that their fans agree. “In some ways, the fans would probably rather see me singing than someone new,” Josh says, emphasizing the importance of continuity in the band’s journey.

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A Sign of Things to Come

Sylosis released their latest album, *A Sign of Things to Come*, last September, and it’s already making waves. “There’s no real concept on the album—it’s just our best music,” Josh states proudly. “We wanted to do our version of a classic metal record, streamlining things, making the music more energized and exciting.”

Tracks like “Deadwood,” “A Sign of Things to Come,” and “Poison for the Lost” have already become fan favorites and staples in their live sets. “Those are my favorite ones to play,” Josh says.

Looking Ahead: Touring and Aspirations

Sylosis is set to tour Australia next February with Angelmaker, marking their first time back in the country in 11 years. “Australia is one of our favorite places to play. The people, the food, the coffee, the weather—it’s all great,” Josh enthuses.

Despite nearly 25 years in the industry, Josh’s aspirations remain high. “I just want Sylosis to be the biggest band possible, whatever that looks like for us,” he shares. They’ve already played Wembley three times, most recently supporting Lamb of God, but Josh remains humble and focused on the music.

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Angelmaker

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A Few Fun Facts

We wrapped up the interview with some quickfire questions. Josh’s favorite album? He doesn’t have just one, but *And Justice for All* by Metallica is a strong contender. His favorite movie? *The Dark Knight* and *The Dark Knight Rises* by Christopher Nolan. And when it comes to food? Curry, of course.

As we concluded our chat, I asked Josh about his tattoos. “I’ve got a few, but my favorite is the snake from one of our album covers. It’s winding down my back instead of being in a circle, with a skull at the top,” Josh describes.

Final Thoughts

Sylosis has come a long way since those early days, and with Josh Middleton leading the charge, there’s no doubt they’ll continue to break new ground in the metal world. If you haven’t already, make sure to catch them on tour next year—it’s going to be one for the ages!

Stay tuned to Amnplify for more interviews and insights into the world of music. Until next time, rock on!

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Follow SYLOSIS
Website – Instagram – Facebook – Twitter

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Watch to the full interview below

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Press Release 31st July 2024 (below) HERE

SYLOSIS
announce
February 2025 Australian Tour
with special guests
ANGELMAKER

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SYLOSIS
and ANGELMAKER
February 2025
Australian Tour Dates:

Tuesday 11th February PERTH, Magnet House
Wednesday 12th February ADELAIDE, Lion Arts
Friday 14th February MELBOURNE, Max Watts
Saturday 15th February SYDNEY, Manning Bar
Sunday 16th February BRISBANE, The Triffid

TICKETS: HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB