Sun of the Suns from Italy first drew our attention four years ago with their debut, “TIIT” – a typical example of modern progressive deathcore, packed with brutality and the sharp, technical precision the core-ism thrives on. They came across as a band eager to deliver exactly what listeners expect, but in their enthusiasm to unveil their full arsenal, they somehow lost their way in the dense technicality of their own ideas. “TIIT” was certainly satisfying in both style and execution, yet its sheer abundance of musical details made it difficult for listeners to fully absorb.
In that case, a band’s sophomore release becomes a test of whether they can channel their talent into writing music that feels more direct and communicative. “Entanglement” marks a bold move in that direction. Without sacrificing their undoubtedly impressive technical abilities and prog leanings, the Italians avoid overly intricate, multilevel structures and instead craft songs that linger in the listener’s mind — a valuable achievement in the deathcore realm.
This time, the sequence of ideas feels more spontaneous and thoughtful, with each motif given room to breathe before transitioning into the next. The band’s musicianship is immediately apparent — Righetti, the main composer, draws effectively on the deathcore foundation, delivering plenty of aggressive and occasionally sharp riffage executed with precision and dynamism. He leans into the progressive side but never relies on it exclusively. Brutality is balanced by melodic passages and synth layers that add a sense of expansiveness and openness, a distinctive hallmark of the Italians’ approach. Indeed, Sun of the Suns cultivate an ambient, cosmic atmosphere throughout their music, and it extends well beyond the album’s two instrumental tracks — not to mention the beautifully conceived artwork.
The seamless interplay of these elements makes “Entanglement” feel more mature and focused than the band’s debut. The listening experience is genuinely engaging –you don’t realize how time passes– thanks to a steady stream of ideas that remain varied without ever slipping into excess. This outcome is the result of a collective effort, with each member living up to the expectations that an album of that kind demands. The guitars, whether technical or melodic, are supported by a tight, forceful rhythm section, highlighted by Francesco Paoli’s explosive drumming (Fleshgod Apocalypse), while Scarlatti’s vocal range delivers the essential guttural edge that completes the band’s sonic identity.
Songs like “On the Last Day of Earth” and “Ephemeral, Ethereal, Eternal” make the band’s intentions clear —technically demanding pieces that provokingly allow entrance to different soundscapes. Aggression, heaviness, synths that enhance rather than dilute the band’s identity, and solos that add carefully placed bursts of virtuosity all come together in peculiar motifs that unfold with purpose, maintaining the listener’s attention throughout. The album offers rewarding moments from start to finish, but I enjoyed most the two final tracks. “The Void Where Sound Ends Its Path” and the ten-minute self-titled closer capture the Italians’ modern, dream-tinged essence, offering some majestic, memorable themes and weaving together the full spectrum of elements that define the band’s sound.
Sun of the Suns, while not being innovative, deliver an album that appeals to a wide range of fans — those who appreciate technical, progressive tendencies as well as those who favor a more melodic form of death metal. Standing out in this genre is no easy task, yet the band’s work in the studio is evident, and “Entanglement” reflects their evolution. I like their willingness to improve, and I can only hope their creative journey continues to unfold in future chapters.
♦ 7,5/10
Alex Nikolaidis
