ALBUM REVIEW: End Of Existence – The Browning

Missouri metal outfit THE BROWNING’s fifth album, End Of Existence, is an apocalyptic, treacherous journey of nihilism that will invoke physical reactions. The band describe their sound as electronicore, and for this record they’ve created a 12-track release that is far heavier than expected and raises the bar in how production can elevate metal.

Written, performed, recorded, engineered and mixed all by the band’s founding (and once sole) member Jonny McBee, there is a noticeable difference in this album both in its production and lyrics. The production delves into the cinematic at times. For example, the first 15 seconds of the brass-laden album opener feels almost appropriate for a Lord Of The Rings scene before it blasts into pure doom.

In fact, production-fuelled introductions do not go amiss throughout this album, with every track inviting you in slowly before rumbling into prog riffs. The most prolific is in No Man Can Become A God, whereby staccato synth notes build into an uplifting melody full of aura. This track is a stand-out in particular because of this reoccurring melody which breaks apart the heavy riffs and fast percussion beats. The atmosphere created thanks to this synth sequence and the clean vocals is unparalleled and stays with listeners for the remaining few tracks.

In comparison, McBee’s guttural vocals maintain the prospect of evil that lingers throughout. Lyrics like “our world is coming to an end […] there is no future” – taken from Prophecy – are given even more cynical venom when expressed like this. He consistently hits the right spot between ferocious and coherent, and in doing so allows these lyrics to have their intended impact.

A recurring theme within these lyrics is that of a higher power and all destruction associated with it. Gott Ist Tot is one of the most intriguing, seeming to reference German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s claim that man must remain independent from God. Here, McBee questions who will save humanity when the end comes amidst rumbling chants of the title, stomping double bass pedals, prog riffs and theatrical production reminiscent of MOTIONLESS IN WHITE. Another stand-out track, there is so much to take in here. Similarly, No Man Can Become A God and Prophecy lean into this concept of navigating judgement day with no guidance.

While the electronic elements enhance each track, there is one in particular that relies on nothing but pure aggression. Second track Destroyer does exactly what its title suggests. It is guttural and full of destruction that you can feel in your chest. It’s just as atmospheric as any other track, but rather than focusing on the production, the instrumentation holds your attention in a vice, with a gut-wrenching breakdown and hard-hitting thrash riffs and fills that could outdo thunder.

There is barely a downside to End Of Existence, only the mere issue that every progressive record faces: repetition. However, because of McBee’s expert use of production, this is avoided for the most part. This record truly highlights McBee’s talent across the board.

Rating: 9/10

End Of Existence is out now via Spinefarm Records.

Like THE BROWNING on Facebook.