Summers End Summers End
Hand of Hope Records HOH004 January 11th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Self-proclaimed, horror-core group Summers End have just unleashed their self-titled release, which sounds like something that perhaps The Agony Scene would dispel. The clean, dual guitar attack is a nice gesture on the part of Summers End as well. And, though the album isnt as dense as the latest from Mastodon or Buried Inside, Summers End proves to be a nice addition to any collection.
The band is nothing short of energetic as they steamroll through compositions such as the opener Buried Near the Living Dead and follower Haunting Hallowed Graves. The metalcore sound is in place, though, which may put some of you off. But, the extremely talented quintet has much to offer musically. Chaotic numbers like the double-bass-riddled Walking the Night utilizes a very clean guitar sound that is intermingled well with all other instrumentation. Victim is slightly too similar to the aforementioned piece, while Long Time Dead and Headwound arent too far removed either. The non-distorted vocalizations in Headwound are incredibly refreshing, and makes Summers End seem more refined and subsequently mature. Guest vocals courtesy of Michael Graves (ex-Misfits) are definitely welcome. Interestingly enough, three live songs close the album. Through My Blood, Flawless Seasons, and Final Goodbye sound great despite being live renditions, although its rather strange that these were included to push Summers End to full-length status. As always, I wish more studio material had elbowed its way onto this record.
To move on, paying attention to Summers Ends flaws isnt unrealistic, but the aforesaid album offers enough in the way of quality to garner enjoyment. I wouldnt pay an exorbitant price for this, and neither should you. However, its a good venture for $10 or less.
8/10
Official Summers End website
Official Hand of Hope Records website
Hand of Hope Records HOH004 January 11th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
Self-proclaimed, horror-core group Summers End have just unleashed their self-titled release, which sounds like something that perhaps The Agony Scene would dispel. The clean, dual guitar attack is a nice gesture on the part of Summers End as well. And, though the album isnt as dense as the latest from Mastodon or Buried Inside, Summers End proves to be a nice addition to any collection.
The band is nothing short of energetic as they steamroll through compositions such as the opener Buried Near the Living Dead and follower Haunting Hallowed Graves. The metalcore sound is in place, though, which may put some of you off. But, the extremely talented quintet has much to offer musically. Chaotic numbers like the double-bass-riddled Walking the Night utilizes a very clean guitar sound that is intermingled well with all other instrumentation. Victim is slightly too similar to the aforementioned piece, while Long Time Dead and Headwound arent too far removed either. The non-distorted vocalizations in Headwound are incredibly refreshing, and makes Summers End seem more refined and subsequently mature. Guest vocals courtesy of Michael Graves (ex-Misfits) are definitely welcome. Interestingly enough, three live songs close the album. Through My Blood, Flawless Seasons, and Final Goodbye sound great despite being live renditions, although its rather strange that these were included to push Summers End to full-length status. As always, I wish more studio material had elbowed its way onto this record.
To move on, paying attention to Summers Ends flaws isnt unrealistic, but the aforesaid album offers enough in the way of quality to garner enjoyment. I wouldnt pay an exorbitant price for this, and neither should you. However, its a good venture for $10 or less.
8/10
Official Summers End website
Official Hand of Hope Records website
