When it comes to modern metalcore violence, END stands unrivalled. A supergroup of some great bands in the metalcore scene, they channel their collective rage in this borderline hardcore project, one that is spearheaded by top tier production looking to pinpoint the sharpest yet most raw-sounding soundscape possible. In other words, they want the grittiness of the heaviest shit you've ever heard, without sounding like shit at all.
The Sin of Human Frailty stands at a mere thirty minutes, but it's more than enough time to leave no man standing. This album is jam-packed with brutality the likes of which most beatdown bands can't even match. Despite that, they excel in maintaining a solid array of atmospheres and ambience that enhance the album experience, keeping the eerie and sinister sound on lock the whole way through.
Admittedly, I don't know many of END's existing songs. Just Necessary Death, really, so I wouldn't say I know their sound too well. This album does make it quite clear what they're good at, though. The production is a hard carry, all thanks to legendary modern metal producer Will Putney on the team, especially with the sound design and all of the electronic elements. The vocals are on point, there's literally nothing that makes you want to get up and punch people as much as his screams do. The instrumentation surprised me too, honestly. I knew I wasn't expecting anything technical but there were some pretty catchy riffs and some really fun odd time signature sections, breakdowns galore. Some parts get quite chaotic too, but nothing detracts from the main goal of unrestrained brutality, and that's all they need to do in the end.
It might not be too high on my favourites list, but if I'm ever looking for something brutal to pump me up, I am not hesitating to put this on. It's full throttle all the way through, and more concentrated than any other album, it's basically an energy drink. What more can I ask for?
Rating: 7/10