You have most likely never heard anything about End of Line and the music they play. Hailing from Albany, NY, this 4-piece released their debut album in 2000, and this "unknown" status that they carry with them suits them very well. End of Line is one of those bands that you have never even heard of, but when you actually put their album in your stereo, you just can't help but think why are they still limited to a restricted scene and not gracing the world with their spectacular music.

While so many people would classify this band's music as "hardcore metal"; End of Line stands out from other so called Hardcore Metal bands because their music truly is beyond such a label. While it is a truly enchanting sculpture of hardcore and metal mixed together, the band creates a dark and twisted vibe that crafts an intense soundscape which easily gets your attention during the first listening. End of Line not only carry the intensity and aggression of bands like Hatebreed and SkyCameFalling, but they also share passages with the musical audacity and enigmatic vibe of Tool, making them a truly unique band. What puts bands such as Tool and dredg into such a high level in my book is exactly the fact that their music has the ability to drag me into a different dimension, and that every single note guides me through that confusing aural place which they construct. That's what makes me like End of Line so much. Their music can do, to a certain extent, what those aforementioned bands do to me, while still being heavy enough to be classified as hardcore or metal or hardcore metal or "whatever suits your taste"-metal, which is undoubtedly something not easy to do, and is most definitely praiseworthy.

Musically, there's nothing to complain about. Professionally competent and the songs are amazingly well structured and thought out, making it sound as if a single note were changed, it wouldn't sound as perfect as it does. Vocally, singer Eli is able to transmit emotion and honesty without ever falling to the new cliche of singing melodically, something that makes this band even more intriguing. There are a few spoken word-like passages in some of the songs, but it really sounds more like alternative metal's copyrighted whining than actual spoken words. Lyrically, the album carries a very emotionally intense and aggressive image; Eli's lyrics are very honest and even offensive, but we can also notice a positive vibe between the lines, as, for instance, on the song "Dark Room", which goes on to say "Will escape this dark room sometime and open hearts and eyes for a brighter life. Minds are clear and we feel divine. Finally it's our time to shine."

Also worthy of mention is how the drums / percussion stand out here. Drummer Mike Wood is probably the responsible party for what makes this band shine above their peers; the percussion on this album is nothing but amazing, bringing even more intensity, aggressiveness and emotion to what's already an intense musical package. Ian Zumback's guitar riffs are highly metal influenced,yet still he knows how to be versatile and often comes up with riffs that feature a really dark and emotional vibe, working a perfect mix with Mike's precise, yet crazy drum beats. Overall, End of Line's musicianship and song writing skills are clearly top notch; the band's music is 100% tight, polished and pretty much flawless, never ceasing to impress the listener every time the album is heard.

Playing music that is, to a certain extent, unique, End of Line is truly one of the most talented bands in their scene. They're sure to surprise everyone with their astonishing talent and jaw-dropping songs; their music is puzzling to listen to, yet not difficult to be digested. It's still the beginning for End of Line, but, being a group with this much to offer, predicting that the band will succeed in the coming future is as easy as predicting you're going to drink water tomorrow.
(4.5 / 5)