This is the second album from Italian post-metallers John, the Void.

After the band’s 2014 debut EP they jumped forward in style and quality with 2016’s II, and now they’re back with 48 minutes of new material for the listener to become absorbed in.

III – Adversa is an arguably darker piece of work than the band’s previous efforts, channelling loss, despair, and hopelessness into music that seems deeply infused with bleakness and black feelings. The basic elements of John, the Void’s sound can be traced back to Cult of Luna, but the band have grown over time into a proposition worthy of deeper attention and reverence in their own right. II saw them consolidate their personality from these post-metal building blocks, and on III – Adversera the band are firmly aware of their own identity. They’re also definitely firing on all cylinders.

Elements of doom, ambience, sludge, and post-metal come together very well on this release, and it seems that the band’s songwriting skills have become more concise and focused over time. This is music that’s rich in atmosphere and depth, providing the listener with a textured, multifaceted approach to post-metal.

Apocalyptic melodies and cinematic resplendence are wielded with marksman-like accuracy, while additional electronics and synth enhancements add another layer of interest as the songs unfold. Introspection and an almost progressive rock approach to calmness has been further developed, while the heavier, harsher aspects of the band’s sound continue to provide a base of dynamic heaviness for the music to branch out from. These new songs breathe well into their self-created spaces, and the entire album has an expansive, inclusive sound. You can get lost in this record quite easily.

I do enjoy John, the Void’s work, so it’s great to hear some new material from them as they continue their developmental journey into something increasingly gratifying.

Very highly recommended.