British post-metal outfit Bossk are veterans of the scene, having carved a name for themselves since 2005. With “.4,” their latest release, they deviate from the traditional album format, opting instead for a retrospective exploration of their sonic territory.
You could think of it as a sonic treasure trove for longtime fans but also a captivating entry point for newcomers curious about the band’s evolution. “.4” is a carefully curated playlist of reimagined classics, collaborations, and unearthed gems.
The record opens with Pijn’s string-laden reimagining of “Kobe,” a familiar Bossk track transformed into a melancholic Middle Eastern odyssey. This sets the tone for the album’s adventurous spirit.
Fans of Bossk’s early, heavier side will find solace in the colossal “Events Occur in Real Time.” This previously unreleased track, featuring the now-departed vocalist Sam Marsh, is a fitting send-off. Marsh’s signature guttural screams intertwine with a slow-burning instrumental buildup, culminating in a mariachi trumpet-infused outro – a unique and poignant farewell.
Collaboration is another key theme on “.4.” Tracks like “Truth II” showcase the band’s willingness to embrace new sounds. This reimagining of an older song features the ethereal vocals of Sheenagh Murray, morphing the original into a trance-like exploration.
The album takes some occasional playful detours, too. “Albert” is a blistering three-minute shot of industrial energy, a nod to Nine Inch Nails with its pulsating bass and distorted guitars. It’s a welcome jolt in the record’s primarily atmospheric soundscape.
For those seeking a more meditative experience, tracks like “The Reverie” (reimagined by Maybeshewill) and the album closer “181 to Beulah” offer some solace. The former transforms into a beautiful piano ballad, while the latter is a guitar-driven soundscape reminiscent of This Will Destroy You’s ambient works.
“.4” is a celebration of Bossk’s journey, a chance for them to revisit their past and showcase their versatility. It’s a record that will likely resonate most with existing fans, offering them a fresh perspective on familiar tracks. But for curious newcomers, it serves as a captivating introduction to a band unafraid to experiment and push boundaries within the post-metal sphere.
With a new vocalist and a full-length album on the horizon for 2026, Bossk are clearly ready to write the next chapter in their ever-evolving story.
Bossk – .4 is out May 10 via Deathwish
Buy the album here:
https://bosskband.bandcamp.com/music
