Album Review: Ov Sulfur – Endless (Century Media Records)

On January 16th, blackened deathcore quintet Ov Sulfur will release their sophomore album, ‘Endless’, via Century Media Records.

If there has been one overall takeaway from the singles released prior to the album dropping, it’s the fact that Ov Sulfur have evolved beyond the constrictions of deathcore and in doing so, have refreshed the genre itself. All by utilising black metal and melody in clever ways. I’m not saying that Ov Sulfur have changed the deathcore game here, because they haven’t, but they’ve created something that does stand out.

What it also shows is personality and authenticity, and across ten immense efforts, there’s a surprising emotive vein running through the music. There’s also some cinematic flair, dramatic melodies, blackened ferocity, and crushing breakdowns, because this is modern deathcore, none the less.

Sounding bigger and more expressive than ever, the first handful of tracks will tell you all you need to know about the creative depths that Ov Sulfur have plumbed here. First, there’s the crunching Endless//Godless, then there’s the blend of beastly heaviness and dramatic melody that Seed offers, before Forlorn’s blackened edge crashes headfirst into a layer of cinematic grandeur.

Vocalist Ricky is on demonic form (and we certainly can’t ignore guitarist Chase’s contributions either), but drummer Leviathvn brings so much weight and intensity to the record that it becomes the dominating instrument. That’s not a complaint though. I think the drums kick so much ass on this record.

It is a team effort though, and the overall brilliance of the record does come from a group of creative individuals connecting on a deeper level. It’s what gives us unforgettable efforts like the epic savagery of Vast Eternal. As well as the eye-widening Wither, the first Ov Sulfur track to feature only clean singing, and for good reason as the song is about the passing of Ricky and Chase’s grandparents, to whom it is dedicated (in addition to bassist Josh Bearden’s late father).

That there, is one of the best examples of the band’s evolution, but it doesn’t sit alone as the following Evermore is, arguably, Ov Sulfur at their most anthemic. Done by a combination of furious riffing, elaborate melodies, brutal breakdowns, and one huge sounding chorus. Immense stuff all round.

It’s not just about collaboration within the band though as the next three tracks show. It’s time for some guests and what guests Ov Sulfur have enlisted. First, Ingested’s Josh Davies makes his voice well and truly heard on Dread. Then Carcosa’s Johnny Ciardullo makes a welcome appearance on the extravagant slamming savagery that Bleak offers. Before Alan Grjna of Distant helps make A World Away one of my favourite tracks on the album. The vocal/drum/riff combo really hits hard for me there.

Throughout the album, unexpected heights are hit, and then just to end things in style, there’s Endless//Loveless. One last highly melodic, clean-singing focused, and emotional effort. Showcasing just how far this band has come in a short amount of time and how their future is far brighter now that they’ve broken away from deathcore expectations. Be warned though, it’s still an album that has the ability to pick you up and slam you down hard.

Ov Sulfur – Endless Track Listing:

1. Endless//Godless
2. Seed
3. Forlorn
4. Vast Eternal
5. Wither
6. Evermore
7. Dread (feat. Josh Davies of Ingested)
8. Bleak (feat. Johnny Ciardullo of Carcosa)
9. A World Away (feat. Alan Grjna of Distant)
10. Endless//Loveless

Links

Facebook | Instagram | X