Death, eternity, or both? – review of Ov Sulfur’s “Endless”

What happens when eternity becomes a curse rather than a promise? Las Vegas blackened deathcore outfit Ov Sulfur pose this existential question across their sophomore effort “Endless”, and the answer reverberates through some of the most unexpectedly melodic brutality the genre has produced in recent memory.

The band sure knows how to deliver a high quality product: the production, mastering and mixing are very well done, and these add layers to the listening experience. Rather than taking a straightforward route, the band approached this album with boldness and a desire to push beyond traditional deathcore boundaries.

The contrast of vocals betweeen Hoover and Wilson is at the core (pun not intended) of this release, but that’s not the only feature worth noting. For example, the symphonic elements in “Forlorn” and “Bleak” are something that I thoroughly enjoyed; that song is pure gold from start to finish. I can’t get enough of it! Hopefully they’ll be pleased to read that it reminded me of some old school black metal like Dimmu Borgir (although I rarely make comparisons, this was an exception!).

Let’s not forget that the album includes three guests: Johnny Ciardullo, Josh Davies, and Alan Grnja, all of whom blend in seamlessly and never feel overburdened. The overall feeling is that the band is slowly adjusting into their identity, without compromises. They do what works for them, and that’s exactly what we like to listen to.

In questioning what eternal life would actually mean for human consciousness, Ov Sulfur have created an album that feels alive with possibility, proving that deathcore is alive and well. Not only that, it has multiple shapes! Listening through this record, I’m convinced the quintet has delivered a sophomore effort that avoids the dreaded slump of the dreadful second release in a fantastic way.

Tracklist:

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