The Ox King

About

The Ox King is a heavy music collective from Chicago, Illinois, known for a sound that blends pulverizing dark hardcore with atmospheric sludge and progressive elements, often compared to bands like Neurosis. Formed in its modern iteration around 2011 (though roots trace back to 2006), the group features members who have been deeply embedded in the Midwest underground scene, including vocalist David Klingenberg and drummer Ryan Steigerwald (who notably joined the Milwaukee-based band Enabler and the legendary Ringworm). The band is frequent collaborators with the Chicago and Milwaukee hardcore communities, often sharing stages with acts like Northless and Dead To Fall. Their discography includes a well-regarded split with the band Thieves, released via Hand of Death Records in 2018. Members have also been active in other projects such as Cuss, 1908, and Carnivale.