Most of you that are reading this review probably have no idea who This Ending are. Well, I’m going to tell you who they are and why should know them. First, they’re from Sweden and most metal bands from Sweden are good. Second, they’re on Metal Blade Records. Third, they’ve been around since 1994 and went by the name of A Canorous Quintet. Last but certainly not least, they feature drummer Fredrik Andersson who is best known as the drummer for Amon Amarth. Their debut on Metal Blade, Inside the Machine is 10 tracks of pure death metal. Martin Hansen’s vocals on this album are absolutely crushing. Guitarists Leo Pignon and Linus Nirbrant take this album to anther level with their dark and angry playing and with solos that will melt your face. The rapid fire drumming of Fredrik Andersson is incredible and absolutely destructive and bassist Jesper Lofgren keeps the rhythm section tight. For a debut album, this is about as good as melodic death metal gets. Tracks like “Inside the Machine” and “Plague Angel” really make this release stand out. Check this out if you like bands like At the Gates and Amon Amarth. Actually, just listen to this regardless of what type of music you like because this is better than what you listen to.

Nick Zimmer