End of Level Boss Prologue
Exile on Mainstream Records EOM 019 September 5th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
End of Level Boss sound more like Soundgarden than anybody else, methinks. From the Cornell-esque vocals to the music itself, Prologue has the 90s written all over it. Lovers of the former band may recognize current members having been involved with acts such as Decomposed, Hangnail, Floor, and Centurions Ghost. Im both chagrined and agitated that I wasnt aware of the End of Level Boss timeline, but regardless, here they are offering an album that failed to pull me in any direction.
Oddly, Prologue involuntarily latches onto the stoner/doom tag, but I dont think that particular categorization fits at all. To corner myself, Id simply call em hard rock. Perhaps I dont get it this time around, though. Anyhow to move on the album clocks in at forty minutes, and eight songs help achieve the specified length. During the catchy instrumental passages, my mind naturally drifted to groups traveling similar paths. For instance, the beginnings of Disjointhead and Hedonophobia scream Trephine, while variants have a penchant for toying around with Seattle-bred characteristics. Admittedly, in spite of my analyses, End of Level Boss dont fall short in the groove arena. Check Hedonophobia, again, and Noisepicker for further elucidation. In all honesty, I wish Prologue had had a greater impact on me as a listener, even aside from the reviewing aspect, and I also wish I was very intoxicated right now, but I doubt that wish is going to be granted either. Well maybe.
Although this foursome, rich in history I hesitate to add, arent quite as fulfilling as I envisioned them being, illustrious attributes make cameos from time to time. The comparison to Trephine will only work in their favor, though the aforementioned is tainted at times by the 90s influence that terminates the fun happenings. With the album title being so ominous, I dont have to wonder about the future of the quartet. Specifically, Ill be awaiting more releases, and hopefully the follow-ups will be able to overpower their ancestor. Now, about that alcohol...
7/10
Official End of Level Boss Website
Official Exile on Mainstream Records Website
Exile on Mainstream Records EOM 019 September 5th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
End of Level Boss sound more like Soundgarden than anybody else, methinks. From the Cornell-esque vocals to the music itself, Prologue has the 90s written all over it. Lovers of the former band may recognize current members having been involved with acts such as Decomposed, Hangnail, Floor, and Centurions Ghost. Im both chagrined and agitated that I wasnt aware of the End of Level Boss timeline, but regardless, here they are offering an album that failed to pull me in any direction.
Oddly, Prologue involuntarily latches onto the stoner/doom tag, but I dont think that particular categorization fits at all. To corner myself, Id simply call em hard rock. Perhaps I dont get it this time around, though. Anyhow to move on the album clocks in at forty minutes, and eight songs help achieve the specified length. During the catchy instrumental passages, my mind naturally drifted to groups traveling similar paths. For instance, the beginnings of Disjointhead and Hedonophobia scream Trephine, while variants have a penchant for toying around with Seattle-bred characteristics. Admittedly, in spite of my analyses, End of Level Boss dont fall short in the groove arena. Check Hedonophobia, again, and Noisepicker for further elucidation. In all honesty, I wish Prologue had had a greater impact on me as a listener, even aside from the reviewing aspect, and I also wish I was very intoxicated right now, but I doubt that wish is going to be granted either. Well maybe.
Although this foursome, rich in history I hesitate to add, arent quite as fulfilling as I envisioned them being, illustrious attributes make cameos from time to time. The comparison to Trephine will only work in their favor, though the aforementioned is tainted at times by the 90s influence that terminates the fun happenings. With the album title being so ominous, I dont have to wonder about the future of the quartet. Specifically, Ill be awaiting more releases, and hopefully the follow-ups will be able to overpower their ancestor. Now, about that alcohol...
7/10
Official End of Level Boss Website
Official Exile on Mainstream Records Website
