Entheos has been pushing boundaries in the progressive death metal realm since their inception, and An End to Everything, which is out October 25, 2024, via Metal Blade Records, only cements their reputation for blending aggressive ferocity with innovative musicality. As a follow-up to their acclaimed album Time Will Take Us All, this five-track EP distills Entheos' eclectic influences—from groove and death metal to jazz, grunge, and beyond—into a more concise but no less powerful death metal package.
The EP is a personal exploration for vocalist Chaney Crabb, who channels the grief of losing a close friend to addiction. Her lyrics wrestle with darkness, surrender, and existential reflection, mirrored in the music’s contrasting intensity and melancholy. Crabb's vocal evolution stands out, as she ventures deeper into pitched screams and introduces clean singing for the first time in Entheos’ discography.
Her range on An End to Everything is a revelation, giving the music added emotional texture that enhances the brutal, progressive framework laid down by drummer/guitarist Navene Koperweis.
The title track, “An End to Everything,” sets the tone with a blend of progressive riffs and sombre melodies that evoke a sense of surrender to despair. The song's musical structure organically flows from an initial riff into a sprawling, genre-defying composition, weaving together elements of death metal, gothic rock, and dark ambience. Crabb’s lyrics and vocal delivery embody the EP’s thematic core—grappling with uncontrollable darkness and the human experience of loss.
Whereas, “All for Nothing” takes a more direct approach. It’s a high-octane, straightforward death metal track with a relentless and powerful drive. However, it doesn’t sacrifice melody, building toward a massive, anthemic chorus that brings a guitar solo with it. The song’s existential questioning, about the seeming futility of life’s pursuits, pairs perfectly with the track’s crushing riffs and rhythmic intensity.
One of the heaviest moments on the EP comes with the third track, “Life in Slow Motion,” which is a furious display of technical proficiency, that balances speed, brutality, and tension at the same time. The song’s theme—regret over pivotal life choices—builds with blistering and breakneck guitar work and culminates in a cathartic breakdown that all fans of Entheos will relish. It’s a perfect example of the band’s skill in crafting songs that maintain emotional weight without sacrificing their complex, progressive edge.
“A Thousand Days” shifts gears slightly, with a more melodic and grunge-influenced sound that still retains its death metal bite. The juxtaposition of mellow, brooding sections with Crabb’s high-pitched screams and haunting choruses creates an atmosphere that’s as introspective as it is heavy. The song contemplates the fine line between life and death, and its shifting dynamics mirror that thematic tension.
The EP closes with “Return to Me,” a track that leans into black metal atmospherics without losing Entheos’ signature progressive flair. The haunting melody that opens the song sets a dark, foreboding tone, with Crabb’s lyrics reflecting the anxiety of watching someone self-destruct. The track evolves into a complex, multi-layered piece, culminating in a climactic finale that serves as both a sonic and emotional release.
An End to Everything proves that Entheos continues to thrive as a two-piece, their sound more focused and intense than ever. With the expanded use of clean vocals, deeper exploration of melodic elements, and their trademark technical prowess, this EP showcases a band that’s not afraid to evolve while staying true to their progressive death metal roots. The result is an emotionally resonant and musically adventurous record that leaves a lasting impact. Fans of forward-thinking heavy music will find much to love with Entheos' new EP.
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