Edge of the Earth

Personnel: Josh Middleton (vocals, guitar); Alex Bailey (guitar, piano); Rob Callard (drums, percussion).
Audio Mixer: Scott Atkins.
The second album by U.K. thrash/death metal act Sylosis feels third-generation; they're deeply indebted to Trivium's synthesis of late-'80s Metallica with modern extreme metal. Also like Trivium, they can't self-edit, and they play for too long at a stretch -- this album offers 13 tracks spread out over 72 minutes, when eight or nine in 45 minutes would have showcased their abilities in a better light. Since their last record, they've lost their frontman and bandleader/guitarist Josh Middleton has taken over vocal duties; he's a capable roarer, but not exactly individualistic. The bandmembers are at their best when they're just playing -- the bursts of guitar shred are short enough to be exciting rather than wanky, and while drummer Rob Callard isn't an amazing talent, he adds a decent level of drama with his double bass eruptions, and whacks the snare drum like it owes him money. Ultimately, the biggest problem with this album is that it's too long. Had it ended with "Dystopia," a furious thrash track, it would have been great. The next five tracks could have been a stopgap EP between this and their next full-length. But at its current bloated size, Edge of the Earth grows wearying long before it's done. ~ Phil Freeman