This Ending – “Inside The Machine”

This Ending, a Swedish death metal band, was first heard of in 2005. But little do most people know that this was not the original name of the band. The band had originally started up under the name A Canorous Quintet in 1991. After an EP, and two full length albums, the band dispatched to do their own side projects and form new bands. In 2004, the band regrouped to make a few songs, but that evolved into something much more than just a few songs. These insane guys sent a demo to one record label, and one label only. Fortunately, Metal Blade records was happy to sign them on. The same five guys that started A Canorous Quintet, now known as This Ending, happen to be Mårten Hansen (vocals), Leo Pignon (guitar), Linus Nirbrant (guitar), Jesper Lofgren (bass) and Fredrick Andersson (drums).

The album opens up with “Seed Of Destruction.” Right off the bat, the band kicks into a heavy groove, showing exactly what is to come throughout the album. For fans of Amon Amarth, you might have noticed that their drummer also plays for This Ending, and you will not be disappointed. The insanity that Fredrick unleashes in Amon Amarth is still present with This Ending; and might even be a bit more intensified. Hansen’s vocals are rough, but are actually somewhat similar to the style of God Dethroned.

“Armageddon” is sixth on Inside The Machine. This track was good, but not the best on the album. The instrumental was pretty good, although Andersson’s snares covered up quite a bit of the guitar during the verses. The bridge was also pretty interesting to listen to. They break away from the rough vocals a little bit, and sing for a slight change of pace. The solo was a decent, but would have been better if the volume was turned up on the soloing guitar, or the volume on the rest of the instrumental was turned down a little.

Lastly, the album ends with “This Ending,” which of course is the band name, but is also a great title for a closing track. The riff for “This Ending” was pretty sick; mostly palm mutes, with the occasional pinch harmonic. The distortion level used gives off an eerie effect when a pinch harmonic is given out. The lyrics for the track are incredibly sadistic, like you wouldn’t believe. I especially like when Hansen growls “Twisting the neck, Listen to it snap.” Oh man, that line gives me chills, yet it excites me so much.

Overall, I’d have to say that Metal Blade caught a good one, and reeled it in. I’m sure there are other labels that would kill to have this band on their contracts. I give this album a 8/10.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Seed of Destruction
02. Inside The Machine
03. Pitch Black
04. Plague Angel
05. Lidless Eyes
06. Armageddon
07. Nailed Down
08. Let The World Burn
09. Into Pain
10. This Ending

Run Time: 43:26
Release Date: 2007