British thrash/melodic death metal band SYLOSIS's seventh album "The New Flesh," released February 20 via Nuclear Blast Records, has received strong critical and fan reception in its first two weeks, with many reviewers declaring it the finest work in the Reading-based band's career. Produced by frontman Josh Middleton — who also serves as guitarist for ARCHITECTS — the album has been praised as SYLOSIS's hardest and heaviest record to date.
Metal media outlets have highlighted the album's technical precision and aggressive songwriting, noting that Middleton's dual role in two of modern metal's most prominent bands has sharpened rather than diluted his creative output. "The New Flesh" features a production clarity that allows every instrument to cut through the mix, from the churning, down-tuned guitar riffs to the surgical drum work and the guttural-to-melodic vocal interplay that has become Middleton's signature.
The album's thematic content explores humanity's relationship with technology and artificial intelligence, drawing its title from David Cronenberg's body horror classic "Videodrome." This conceptual depth adds weight to the musical intensity, elevating "The New Flesh" above the typical thrash/melodeath release. Standout tracks include the blistering opener "Pariah," the progressive epic "Synthetic Permanence," and the crushing mid-album highlight "No Longer Human."
"The New Flesh" entered the UK Rock & Metal Albums chart at No. 8, marking SYLOSIS's highest chart position and their first top-10 entry. The strong reception positions the band for what could be a breakthrough year, with festival appearances already confirmed at Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, and Graspop Metal Meeting.