Josh Middleton
Josh Middleton is a guitarist, songwriter, producer, and mixer best known for his work in the metal and metalcore genres. With a career spanning over two decades, Josh has earned a reputation for his precise musicianship, emotional songwriting, and hard-hitting productions. He is the founding member of the progressive metal band Sylosis and was formerly the lead guitarist of the British metalcore powerhouse Architects.
Josh formed Sylosis in 2000 and has remained the band’s frontman, lead guitarist, and primary songwriter ever since. Under his leadership, Sylosis has released a series of acclaimed albums that blend thrash, death metal, and progressive influences with modern production. Known for their complex guitar work, intense energy, and dark lyrical themes, Sylosis has become a staple of the UK metal scene and continues to evolve with each release.
In 2017, Josh joined Architects following the passing of their founding guitarist Tom Searle. Initially stepping in as a live guitarist, Josh later became a full-time member of the band. He contributed to the writing and recording of Holy Hell, For Those That Wish to Exist, and The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit. His time with Architects helped shape a new era for the band, combining atmospheric textures with crushing riffs and emotionally charged songwriting. In 2023, Josh officially announced his departure from Architects to focus full time on Sylosis and his production career.
Beyond his work as a performer, Josh is an accomplished producer and mixer. He has recorded and mixed Sylosis’s albums in addition to working with other metal bands in both live and studio settings. His production style is known for its tight, aggressive guitar tones, clear low-end, and punchy drums, all delivered with a sense of dynamic control and attention to detail. He brings a musician’s perspective to every project, ensuring that the final mix not only sounds powerful but also serves the emotion and energy of the music.
Josh is also a frequent collaborator in the UK metal scene, offering guitar reamps, mix consultation, and songwriting input for a range of artists. His deep knowledge of gear, tone crafting, and arrangement makes him a valuable creative partner for bands looking to push their sound forward. Whether he’s producing from the ground up or stepping in to fine-tune an existing project, Josh brings focus, precision, and creative insight to every session.
As an educator and mentor, Josh shares his production methods and philosophies through platforms like Nail The Mix, offering rare insight into how heavy records are crafted at the highest level. His sessions cover everything from guitar layering and tone shaping to drum editing and mix preparation, providing practical takeaways for producers and musicians alike.
Josh Middleton continues to be a powerful force in modern metal, both on stage and behind the scenes. Whether fronting Sylosis, producing records, or teaching the next generation of artists, he brings authenticity, experience, and a relentless passion for heavy music.