Sylosis

Sylosis Live at Kulttempel Oberhausen – Friday, 16 January 2026

Get ready to experience an unforgettable night of blistering riffs and sonic intensity as British metal titans Sylosis descend upon Kulttempel Oberhausen on Friday, 16 January 2026. This promises to be a headline performance that fans won’t want to miss, offering a potent blend of technical prowess, melodic depth, and sheer raw power. For those craving intricate guitar work, relentless energy, and a deep dive into modern progressive and melodic death metal, this event is the apex of auditory ambition. Prepare for an evening where precision meets passion, and the very air in Kulttempel will vibrate with the force of Sylosis’s electrifying sound.

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About Sylosis

Emerging from the vibrant UK metal scene, Sylosis have carved out a formidable reputation as one of the most exciting and technically adept bands in contemporary heavy music. Founded in 2000 by guitarist and vocalist Josh Middleton, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of their genre, blending elements of thrash, melodic death metal, and progressive metal into a sound that is uniquely their own. Over the course of their career, Sylosis have released a string of critically acclaimed albums, each showcasing a remarkable evolution in songwriting and musicianship.

Their debut album, “The Suffering” (2008), immediately announced their arrival with a fierce intensity and impressive technicality. This was followed by “Chains of Delusion” (2010) and “Emanation” (2012), which further solidified their commitment to complex song structures and dynamic shifts. It was with “Dormant Volcanoes” (2016) that Sylosis truly hit their stride, earning widespread praise for its mature songwriting and masterful execution. However, it was their 2020 masterpiece, “Cycle of Suffering,” that propelled them to new heights, reintroducing a raw, aggressive edge while retaining their signature melodic sensibility. This album, produced by Middleton himself, was lauded for its intricate riffing, powerful vocals, and a sense of urgent, cathartic release. Their most recent offering, “A Sign of Things to Come” (2023), continues this trajectory, demonstrating a band at the peak of their creative powers, delivering complex yet accessible metal anthems.

Sylosis are renowned for their exceptional live performances, where the intricate studio arrangements translate into a powerful, visceral stage presence. Josh Middleton’s blistering guitar solos, coupled with the tight rhythm section and intense vocal delivery, create a truly captivating spectacle. They have toured extensively, sharing stages with some of metal’s biggest names and consistently leaving audiences in awe of their technical virtuosity and unwavering energy. This Oberhausen performance is set to be another testament to their prowess as a live act, offering a deep dive into their impressive discography.

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Venue Information

Kulttempel Oberhausen is a well-established and beloved venue renowned for its intimate atmosphere and dedication to delivering high-quality live music experiences, particularly within the rock and metal scenes. Situated in the heart of Oberhausen, the venue boasts a history of hosting both established international artists and up-and-coming talent, making it a crucial hub for the region’s music enthusiasts. Its reputation for excellent sound quality and a comfortable viewing experience for all attendees ensures that every concert held within its walls is a memorable occasion. The dedicated staff are known for their professionalism and passion for live music, contributing to the welcoming and energetic environment that Kulttempel cultivates. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

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What to Expect

Prepare for an evening where precision, power, and passion converge as Sylosis takes the stage at Kulttempel Oberhausen. The band is expected to deliver a blistering set that delves deep into their extensive catalogue, offering a captivating journey through their evolution as musicians. Fans can anticipate hearing a selection of their most celebrated tracks, likely including high-octane anthems from “Cycle of Suffering” and “A Sign of Things to Come,” such as the title track “Cycle of Suffering,” the ferocious “Worship Decay,” and the intricate “Deadwood.”

Furthermore, it’s highly probable that Sylosis will revisit fan favourites from earlier works, potentially treating the Oberhausen crowd to the complex riffs and thunderous drumming of tracks like “Dormant Volcanoes,” “Behind the Lies,” or even fan-pleasing classics that have become staples of their live sets. Expect the performance to be a masterclass in modern metal, showcasing Josh Middleton’s unparalleled guitar virtuosity. His intricate solos, complex riff structures, and ability to seamlessly blend aggression with melody are a hallmark of Sylosis’s sound, and his live performance is nothing short of breathtaking.

The band’s performance style is characterised by its intense energy and tight musicianship. They are known for their no-nonsense approach to live shows, focusing on delivering a technically flawless and emotionally resonant performance. The interplay between the guitars, bass, and drums is always exceptional, creating a wall of sound that is both intricate and immensely powerful. Vocalist Josh Middleton delivers his lyrics with a potent mix of guttural aggression and clear melodic articulation, commanding the stage with his commanding presence.

The duration of the Sylosis set is typically generous, reflecting the depth and breadth of their albums. Attendees can generally expect a full headline set lasting between 75 and 90 minutes, allowing ample time for them to showcase a diverse range of their material, from their more aggressive thrash-influenced tracks to their more progressive and atmospheric pieces. The setlist is often a carefully curated blend of fan-favourites and newer material, ensuring that both long-time admirers and newer fans find something to be enthralled by. This is not a band to hold back; prepare for an unadulterated display of metal mastery that will leave you energised and wanting more.

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FAQs

Q1: What is the typical setlist like for a Sylosis headline show?

Sylosis headline shows typically feature a well-rounded setlist that spans their impressive discography. You can expect a strong emphasis on their more recent, critically acclaimed albums like “Cycle of Suffering” and “A Sign of Things to Come,” with tracks like “Cycle of Suffering,” “Worship Decay,” and “Deadwood” being almost guaranteed. They also have a deep appreciation for their earlier material, so be prepared for fan favourites from albums such as “Dormant Volcanoes” and “Emanation” to make an appearance, ensuring a journey through their sonic evolution.

Q2: How would you describe Sylosis’s performance style live?

Sylosis are renowned for their intensely energetic and technically proficient live performances. Josh Middleton’s guitar playing is a central focus, with his intricate riffs and blistering solos taking centre stage. The band as a whole delivers a tight, powerful sound, characterized by their precision drumming and driving basslines. Vocalist Josh Middleton delivers his lyrics with a potent mix of aggression and clarity, commanding the stage with a strong presence. They offer a visceral and engaging experience, making every song feel significant and impactful.

Q3: Is Sylosis’s live sound very different from their studio recordings?

While Sylosis are known for their meticulous studio productions, their live sound is remarkably true to their recordings, often even more potent. The technicality present in their albums translates exceptionally well to the stage, with the band demonstrating a high level of musicianship to reproduce these complex arrangements live. The live setting often adds an extra layer of raw energy and intensity, making the songs feel even more immediate and powerful.

Q4: How long can I expect Sylosis’s set to be?

For a headline performance, you can typically expect Sylosis to play for approximately 75 to 90 minutes. This duration allows them to deliver a comprehensive setlist that showcases a broad range of their material, from their most aggressive tracks to their more melodic and progressive compositions. They tend to pack a significant amount of musicality and energy into every minute of their performance.

Q5: Will Sylosis be playing any new material in Oberhausen?

While it’s difficult to say definitively without an official announcement, it is common for bands of Sylosis’s calibre to introduce new material or play tracks from their latest album prominently during their tours. Their most recent album, “A Sign of Things to Come,” was released in 2023, so it’s highly probable that a significant portion of the set will feature songs from that record. Any surprises regarding brand-new material would be a fantastic bonus for attendees.

Q6: Are Sylosis known for any particular stage theatrics or is it more about the music?

Sylosis’s live shows are overwhelmingly focused on the music itself. Their performance is driven by their exceptional musicianship, intricate songwriting, and sheer sonic power. While they undoubtedly have a strong stage presence, particularly from vocalist Josh Middleton, their approach is generally more about the sonic experience and technical execution rather than elaborate stage theatrics. The intensity of their performance comes directly from the music and their dedication to delivering a flawless live rendition.