We don’t cover a ton of instrumental albums over here at Monster Riff. Sure, occasionally we’ll uncover the Post Metal stylings of Gustavo De Beauville, the Psychedelic Space Prog of Astral Construct, or the Stoner Doom of Hermits Weedsom, but we typically review music with a vocalist leading us through the fray.
That’s why it was so exciting to receive the self-titled debut from Canada’s The Endless.
A quartet inspired by the likes of Russian Circles, Pelican, Mastodon, Messa, ISIS, Tool, and Deafheaven, The Endless crafts deep, unpredictable, and atmospheric Post Metal that’ll lift you out of your seat and pull you along on a powerful sonic journey.
About The Endless
Based in Edmonton, Alberta, The Endless is:
- Jarred Muir – Drums
- Eddy Keyes – Guitar
- Terry Palmer – Guitar
- James Palmer – Bass
The songs for The Endless were initially started all the way back in 2017, in a collaboration between Jarred Muir and Terry Palmer. The Endless was recorded and mixed by Terry Paholek at The Physics Lab and mastered by Ian Martin at the Twilight Living Room.
The Endless: ‘The Endless’ Album Review
Tracks: 5
Length: 39:58
Release Date: January 23, 2024
Track 1: The Hadeon Eon
Featuring a sultry and mysterious opening, “The Hadeon Eon” is pregnant with possibility. When the full band finally erupts onto the track, it’s with a wicked guitar tone and some serious bite. The primary riff here is simple but dramatic, with just enough excitement that you can’t wait for it to come back around.
This is an emotionally charged song all the way through, and that screeching guitar solo may remind long-time readers of Drew Patricks and Astral Construct.
Track 2: Riven
Dramatic and complex, “Riven” features a flashy riff that’s hard to pin down. With loads of furious palm muting and a glistening metallic lead guitar, “Riven” is an unpredictable journey that relies on occasional dissonance to spice up the overall experience. Brace yourself for everything after the bridge: It’s a heartbreaking and blistering ride!
Track 3: Shadows/Wolves
“Shadows/Wolves” follows the loud/quiet/loud/quiet template, and that makes simultaneously the heaviest and lightest track on the album, with each section emphasizing the respective weight of the other. Be sure to stick around for the entire ride!
Track 4: Reflection
With a runtime of more than nine minutes, “Reflection” is the longest track on the album. Featuring guitars that cry out into the aching darkness and walls of Post Metal supported by glimmers of Industrial Metal, “Reflection” is as soothing as it is aggressive. Just wait for that triumphant conclusion!
Track 5: Future Archives
“Future Archives” features some fascinating (and sometimes subtle) shifts in tone and approach. Experimental in some sections, I occasionally found myself thinking, “Is this what Post Metal would sound like in the hands of Primus?”
Thoroughly surprising and thoroughly gorgeous, “Future Archives” is packed with unique twists and turns that are better experienced than described.
Final Thoughts On The Endless
Final Score: 9/10
Standout Tracks: “Riven” and “Shadows/Wolves”
Pros: The Endless is an album that’s been in the works for a long, long time, and the final product is a reflection of that tireless songwriting. And it’s not like the band made it easy on themselves; listening to bands like Tool, ISIS, and Russian Circles is one thing, but trying to write like them is another.
And actually pulling it off? That’s just admirable.
The Endless guys have established themselves as a powerful force in the Post Metal world, and their collective ear for tasty riffs and captivating solos should help them capture a wide audience.
Cons: There’s really not to complain about on such a beautiful debut; The Endless simply does so many things well. As a listener, the only thing I really wanted was a little more melody to help differentiate each track from the other, but that partially comes down to personal preference.
Learn More About The Endless
To learn more about The Endless, check out The Endless website, follow them on Bandcamp, or keep up with them on social media (YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook).
Thanks for shining a light on The Endless, Pat. I caught Russian Circles live last week, and have been getting a bit proggy of late, and this has hit the spot. These guys will be well pleased after all the hard work they put in creating this record!!
Right on!