From the garden of England comes the five piece metal band who go by the name At World’s End and no, they’re not named after a pub in Camden. Over the years At World’s End has gone through some personnel changes. Partly as a result of these, the Kent guys are about to embark on a total re-brand, a change that comes about with the arrival of their anticipated new EP, namely Emptiness Follows, which will be released on the infamous Friday 13th [of July 2018].
The four tracks showcase the newest members to the five piece, Tommy Rogers on the bass and Mark Hammond on lead vocals who brings his former hardcore influence with him. This gives a break to former lead vocalist, Wayne who you can still hear intermittently on ‘Rift’.
Opening track, ‘Deceiver’ has more of that hardcore vibe about it, which is an instant signal of change from the previously metalcore orientated EPs. Whilst Mark’s vocals might sound a little strained, you can really feel that raw passion from each of the screams and there are a fair few lengthy ones throughout the four and a quarter minute long song.
‘Rift’, which proceeds ‘Deceiver’, in it’s natural progression as the albums’ second song, has a much more distinctive, older At World’s End track. As titled, it is a rifty track, one sure to be catching yourselves air noodling along to. Complete with an appropriately paced solo but that’s by no means a bad thing. If anything it compliments the song fantastically, providing a more atmospheric feel than merely shredding as fast as possible. My only issue with this song is the occasional backing vocals from Wayne, as personally I don’t feel they add to the song in this case, especially with the seemingly random sprinkles of them throughout.
The penultimate track, ‘Beneath’, comparatively is a pacier song with some beautiful fills being expertly placed by Rowan. Listen out for them. With a more regimented marching riff during the verses to entice those heads to nod rhythmically, this track is definitely one that will require you to pay a visit to your chiropractor afterwards.
‘Eclipse’ ties the album into a complete package, truly combining all the aspects from the previous songs into one. We have chugging strings from Wayne, Stuart and Tommy which are overlayed with individual riffs, suitably supported by the varied beats blasted out by Rowan, topped off with one of the longest screams at the end from Mark.
All in all a solid output from the five piece from Kent and we eagerly await to hear what the future holds.
