EP REVIEW: An End To Everything – Entheos
ENTHEOS is one of those rare bands that defies easy categorization in the metal scene. They don’t comfortably sit within any one subgenre but rather pull elements from progressive metal, tech death, groove, thrash, and more. Yet, even with these diverse influences, they’ve forged a sound that is absolutely their own. With their bold approach to death metal, they’ve breathed fresh life into the genre, pushing its boundaries and making significant contributions that demand attention. The duo of vocalist Chaney Crabb and multi-instrumentalist Navene Koperweis continuously challenge the status quo, not afraid to experiment and reimagine metal within their unique artistic framework.
Their 2023 full-length Time Will Take Us All was a pivotal release that put them firmly on the map, earning widespread critical praise and marking their breakthrough moment. Now, with An End To Everything, they’ve taken that momentum and evolved further. The EP moves in a much darker, melancholic direction, offering a stark contrast to the sludgy, murky sound of its predecessor. The production here is cleaner, colder, and more mechanical—but rather than feeling sterile, this shift enhances the album’s atmosphere, giving it a sharpened edge. Tracks like All For Nothing and Life In Slow Motion benefit immensely from this change, with Koperweis’ drumming sounding particularly tight and forceful. But it’s not just about heaviness; An End To Everything strikes a balance by weaving in more pronounced melodies, showing a maturity in their songwriting that sets it apart.
This progression is underscored by the deeply personal nature of the EP’s title and lyrics. Chaney Crabb explained that An End To Everything reflects an era in her life that ended with the tragic loss of a close friend to addiction. “This person had thrived in life against many odds but ultimately succumbed as a result of their own poor decisions,” Crabb shared. The EP, she says, “is about the nature of the darkness of life and the human experience.” This emotional weight can be felt throughout the album, infusing each song with a sense of profound reflection and personal struggle.
Musically, the band aimed to create five tracks that could stand alone as singles but also function cohesively as a collection. Over a period of three months, they worked with co-producer and engineer Mark Lewis to ensure the EP captured their distinct sound while incorporating a variety of musical influences in a succinct and balanced way. The result is a body of work that is unmistakably ENTHEOS, yet showcases their growth and ability to push their own boundaries.
The album is filled with bold musical experiments that showcase ENTHEOS’ willingness to expand their sound. The melodic guitar work in Life In Slow Motion is one such highlight, while the layered clean vocals in the title track offer another striking moment. These elements don’t detract from the band’s signature intensity; rather, they enhance it. While the more straightforward metal tracks remain as heavy as ever, it’s the adventurous, exploratory songs that truly shine. What makes An End To Everything such a compelling record is how it balances variety with intensity – each track feels leaner, more refined, with the fat trimmed in favour of tighter compositions.
The atmosphere is another standout feature. Dark and brooding, An End To Everything conveys a deep sense of reflection and contemplation, especially when paired with Crabb’s introspective lyrics. This is a release that is progressive, brutal, poetic, and emotionally resonant, all at once.
If you appreciate innovation in metal and are drawn to music that challenges and excites, An End To Everything is a must-listen. It’s a captivating fusion of fierce energy, deep introspection, and bold creativity, firmly establishing ENTHEOS as one of the most innovative acts in contemporary metal.
Rating 8/10
An End to Everything is out now via Metal Blade Records.
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