The Ossuary Releases Their Fourth Album "Requiem for the Sun": Occult-Heavy Doom Electrified by NWOBHM
The Ossuary is an occult-heavy rock trio from Italy who have been active since about 2014.
I stumbled upon the band early in my heavy underground career and was immediately taken by how smoothly their sound vacillates among a few of my favorite things: doom, occult rock, and NWOBHM, finding myself enamored with their 2017 debut Post Mortem Blues.
Now, the band is back with their first album in four years, Requiem for the Sun (released on May 23, 2025, via Supreme Chaos Records).
The Ossuary - Requiem for the Sun
1.) Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a great way to start the album that really highlights The Ossuary's particular style, with a nearly 50/50 mix of occult rock and NWOBHM. My favorite thing about this track is the booming and energetic percussion, ushering Sacrifice in with a thunderous rumble. The drums keep that momentum going for the entirety of the song (something I would learn is a pattern throughout much of Requiem for the Sun). It's also worth noting that there are killer guitar solos aplenty on this track, cutting through the occult haze with heavy metal electricity.
2.) Altar in Black
Altar in Black has a bit more of an occult influence, primarily in the sheer goosebump-inducing spookiness it inspires, painting scenes of misty graveyards and arcane rituals. However, when combined with that heavy metal influence, it's very easy to envision Altar in Black as the soundtrack to an early 80s horror movie scene (and I mean that as a total compliment).
Instrumentally, the drums continue to stand out in the best way, and the guitar work has that intricate, vintage feel that I associate with occult rock, giving Altar in Black a classical quality.
The official music video for Altar in Black
3.) Far from the Tree
Far from the Tree was the first single released from Requiem for the Sun and what got me really excited about the album. This song really delivers on that thunderous quality, cranking up the intensity on the pounding drums and weighty rumble from the bass. The guitar rises above occasionally to join the vocals in some soaring harmonies. Speaking of the vocals, although they're ultra melodic, they're just measured enough here to give me the impression of a ritualistic chant as they call out a warning (again, a total compliment).
4.) Wishing Well
Wishing Well was the second single released form the album. This track goes in a slightly different direction by having a strong stoner/doom undercurrent, where the fuzzier guitar tones stand out brilliantly. About midway through the song, some great spiraling guitar is introduced for the choruses, giving Wishing Well a newfound hypnotic quality that's helped along by the rather calm melody from the vocals.
5.) The Others
The Others adds a noticeable psychedelic rock influence that pairs very well with the elaborate occult rock and the intensity of heavy metal. These elements together truly give The Others an impressive amount of dimension. The lyrics, weightiness of the rhythm instruments, and wail of the guitar at the end drive home the emotional expression of the song, reminding the listener that The Others is sorrowful at its core, in spite of also being deliciously hard rocking.
6.) Requiem for the Sun
This gorgeous track operates with more hushed tones than previous songs in its first half. With its winding main riff, lighter percussion, and soothing vocals, Requiem for the Sun feels like the eye of a storm and is the perfect choice for the title track. The song begins to pick up in the second half, escalating into an immersive tempest from the instrumentals near the end. The vocals maintain their calm, mesmeric cadence, a consistent anchor to Requiem for the Sun's peaceful beginning. In fact, in spite of the fact that it's a bit of an oxymoron, I could describe this song as "peacefully intense", and it's so lovely because of this very quality.
7.) The Volume of Void
Here we have yet another perfect blend of occult rock, doom, psychedelia, and NWOBHM, and yet another skillfully applied combination of somber and spooky yet bright and soaring moods. I also really appreciate the standout bass guitar here.
8.) Eloise
Eloise is the longest track on the album and is certainly the most intense. It's driving, pounding, haunting, rumbling, and wailing, with well-placed ghostly and atmospheric overtones, creating a cinematic listening experience. This is a brilliant showcase of everything The Ossuary does best, only amplified tenfold, and I can't think of a better way to end the album.
Final Thoughts
Requiem for the Sun shows The Ossuary continuing to build upon their layered use of doom, occult rock, and NWOBHM. Lyrically, the songs have an overwhelming occult theme (which we'll never, ever complain about), but it's often brightened and given a more theatrical quality via the NWOBHM influence. While many other occult rock bands opt for a darker, hazier, or even acidic tone, The Ossuary is made unique by utilizing this powerful but vintage heavy metal tone to underscore their sound. In this way, the band gives me constant doses of all of the heavy music I love, both modern and old school.
The most notable difference on Requiem for the Sun compared to The Ossuary's previous albums is a striking openness: tons of added dimension, atmosphere, and layers that give the band's sound a very sophisticated and updated quality. This is accomplished by making the heavier parts even more intense and the lighter parts even more ethereal, creating a natural surround sound experience for the listener.
After listening to Requiem for the Sun, I get the overwhelming sense that The Ossuary is making a bit of a comeback here. The band's effort and attention to details are conspicuous, resulting in a noticeable level-up in sound. Everything about The Ossuary's tone on Requiem for the Sun is deeper, heavier, more intricate, more passionate, and, in a nutshell, bigger. I can clearly envision this band going strong for many years to come.
More About The Ossuary
You can follow The Ossuary and listen to their music at the following links:
A massive thank you to the band for the promo!
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