Gods End: Chapter Black

Overall ranking: 9/10

Genre: Hardcore with influences from Deathcore, Grindcore, and Death Metal

Many metal fans may think of hardcore as an oversaturated genre. While many modern hardcore artists have a lot of watered-down similarities Gods End is a band that stands out from the mix of modern hardcore artists. This EP shows that Gods End is unafraid to experiment with other heavy genres outside of hardcore and implement them into their sound. This fusion of Death Metal, Grindcore, and Deathcore influences make the Gods End sound a refreshing addition to the hardcore genre.

Overall, this album has a very apocalyptic, chaotic feel to it. The cover art accurately represents the feel of this album. The tracks of this EP are diverse, yet fit together nicely like big-ass 5000 piece puzzle. Chaotic, but in a way that the pieces perfectly fit!

You definitely want to hear this EP as a whole, as each song builds up to the ending track. You will not get the same effect listening to the tracks individually as opposed to listening to this EP as a whole.

Pariah - The band couldn't have chosen a better opening track! It literally slaps you in the face with the opening note. The raw, high energy guitar and drum combo take the listener on a bumpy ride through the apocalyptic world this album is based upon. In this track, I definitely hear Grindcore and Death Metal influences. I am not a mosher, but I would open a freaking circle pit listening to this track! The only thing that would make this track better is holding out the opening riffs a little longer to about the :15 - :20 marks at the beginning to increase the suspense. 9/10

Gaia Bleeds - This track carries an atmosphere that is very nostalgic. It reminds me of Mitch Lucker-esque Deathcore and the more recent sounds that can be heard in Fit For An Autopsy. Imagine the two, but with the intensity kicked up like a few notches! There is definite influence from 2010's deathcore, and I am living for it! What I love even more is the heavily overdriven bass that drives this track. As a bass player, that kind of tone always makes my ears happy! In this genre, I don't feel that the bass is emphasized enough, but this song does just that! The high-pitched screams and screeches of the guitars definitely make this one the banger of the EP! 11/10

Storm of Torment - This track is the most melodic on the album, yet contains the most suspense. The whole track feels like a build-up of something, leaving the listener on the edge of their seat. The suspense gives a feel like a catastrophic natural disaster brewing. While this track is thrilling, I feel it could use a bit more thunder and lightning at the end, as the transition between this track and the next is a little harsh. My only suggestion would be to make the guitars sound more loud and percussive in a way to match the ending drums. 8.5/10

Snuff Out The Light - Heavy AF! While the first track slaps you in the face, this one gives you a round house kick to the head! Raw, chaotic, and BIG-sounding are how I would describe it. This track is definitely the build-up result of what the prior track was trying to achieve. My only critique is that the vocals appear buried behind the guitars. Turning those vocals up would be more impactful here. The eerie chorus at the end is the icing of the cake that pulls everything together. Amazing ending! 8/10

Final impression: This one slaps! Add it to your summer album rotation to give your summer a big round-house kick! If you have not heard of Gods End, please look them up. I hope all the metalheads in West Virginia are supporting these guys and that the other US regions will quickly follow!