Prepare to embark on a musical journey with Ov Sulfur's latest release, 'Endless'! This blackened deathcore album is a double-edged sword, offering both hope and disappointment. While it's exciting to see bands exploring new horizons, the genre's namesake remains elusive for most. Ov Sulfur, hailing from Las Vegas, finds itself in a unique position on this sophomore record. With a blend of blackened elements and a focus on melody, they flirt with the idea of blackened metalcore, a genre that might make some cringe. But fear not, curious souls, for there's a reward awaiting those who dare to listen!
'Endless' is an evolution from their debut, which, let's be honest, wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Yet, Ov Sulfur has managed to capture my attention with their refined sound. The songs are structured, albeit formulaic, but the emphasis on riffs and the unexpected infusion of blackened death metal elements keep things interesting. Tracks like 'Seed' showcase genuine black metal riffing, transitioning into a brutal yet captivating blend of tremolo and double-bass kicks.
But here's where it gets controversial... While 'Seed' and other tracks like 'Forlorn' and 'Vast Eternal' are solid, they follow a predictable pattern. The chorus riffs sound eerily similar, and the breakdowns are downright sleep-inducing. Even the album intro feels like a tired trope, with its slow, drawn-out breakdown.
However, 'Endless' isn't without its redeeming qualities. Ricky Hoover's vocals are a standout feature, with his cleans and harsh vocals delivering surprising catchiness. The guitarists, Chase Wilson and Christian Becker, showcase their skills with sweeping intros and groovy riffs. And who would've thought a deathcore album would have honest-to-goodness solos? The drums also deserve a shout-out, with Leviathvn's ferocious kit-work adding to the album's brutality.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room - the corpse-paint-wearing one, that is. 'Endless' features not one but two ballads! 'Wither', a heartfelt tribute to Hoover's grandparents, is a tear-jerker with an adorable intro and outro. However, 'Endless//Loveless' feels like an unnecessary addition, with its cliché lyrics and underwhelming presence.
Despite the band's improvement, 'Endless' struggles to break free from the confines of blackened deathcore. The strict genre conventions weigh heavily, hindering the band's desire for more emotionally driven, melodic music. While the album showcases the better aspects of the genre, it's hard not to feel a sense of fatigue, especially with the overused intro.
Ov Sulfur has undoubtedly crafted a superior album with 'Endless', but it caters primarily to genre enthusiasts. For others, it might be a challenging listen.
Rating: Mixed
Release Date: January 16th, 2026
Label: Century Media
Websites: facebook.com/ovsulfur, instagram.com/ovsulfur
Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
DR: 4
