Monday 23 March 2020

This Ends Here - The Last Hundred Years


Labels: Self-Released
Formats: Tape/Digital
Release Date: 21 Dec 2019

Tracklist:

1. The Beast Is Dead
2. The Last Hundred Years

Wherever you're reading this, I hope you're safe and that your ensuring the spread of the virus is reduced as much as possible. If I didn't have to go to work, I'd be doing exactly the same. Sadly though I do, which means that while I'll still be posting reviews here, there won't be as many as I'd like. The band and also the music I'm writing about this evening seems very apt though. Bristol (UK) blackened post-metal/hardcore band This Ends Here released a new tape back in December, featuring two new songs. It's been over two years since their last material (the split with Wolfbeast Destroyer), so it couldn't come at a better time.

The Last Hundred Years sees This Ends Here writing and performing more expansive music. Their crust-like sound has been joined by atmospheric post-metal and lengthier instrumental passages. ‘The Beast Is Dead’ is nearly twelve-minutes in length and as such, it’s a slow building collage of heaviness, with vocals sitting deeper within it. It’s best turned up as the volume of the recording is a little quiet, but that doesn’t let it down at all. I can’t really compare it to anything else, as nothing similar springs to mind at this point. What I can say is that for someone that hasn’t listened to a great deal of music over the last couple of weeks due to lack of energy (both physically and mentally) this release is exactly what’s needed.

If first song ‘The Beast Is Dead’ was more on the sludgy side then the title track ‘The Last Hundred Years” takes more from the band’s crust influences that bring added tempo to the music in parts. It’s still cinematic, but the edge that’s afforded by that punk music is obvious to hear. It’s strange to say that despite the heaviness on show, there’s something very relaxing about this release, which must come from it’s atmospheric backbone. There’s plenty of music nestled within these two tracks, meaning there’s enough to get you through even the loneliest of nights. Great stuff!

You can stream The Last Hundred Years below, where you can also purchase it on tape and digitally:-



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