'Map Of The Soul: 7' review: BTS delivers most triumphant album by far

Album review: With 'Map Of The Soul: 7', the boys of BTS deliver a triumphant album that will turn detractors of K-pop into true believers. Photo: Big Hit Entertainment

There comes a point in most music act’s career timeline when the pursuit of artistry far outweighs those of commercial sensibilities. South Korean mega group BTS – comprising Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook – might have arrived at that juncture on its fourth studio album.

Or at least, that is the narrative laid out by Black Swan, the first single from the eagerly anticipated Map Of The Soul: 7. The seven-piece sheds the bubblegum pink flavour of Boy With Luv and dive into darker and murkier territory – well, sonically at least.