Entheos has had their finger on the pulse of progressive/extreme metal for quite some time. Their third full-length, last year’s Time Will Take Us All, saw the duo of vocalist Chaney Crabb and multi-instrumentalist Navene Koperweis really spread their wings and deliver a piece of extreme metal that shook with brutality but explored a variety of soundscapes in cinematic fashion. An End to Everything follows this as a 5-song EP that continues their exploration of diversity in a way that’s just as powerful and thought-provoking as anything else they’ve done.
For a 5-song EP, the biggest selling point is how diverse the songs feel. While they all circle around a personal narrative that deals with the tragedy of addiction and loss, there’s a lot of sonic exploration. That says a lot considering the Entheos albums that have come before this. Opening with the title track, there’s a more uptempo feeling to the grooves and progressive noodlings, even to Crabb’s impressive clean vocals (not to discount her throttling extreme vocal performance), in comparison to the remainder of the songs. It sets a distinct opening though which “All for Nothing” capitalizes on. From the eerie, enticing opening it cuts right into brutality. Driving blastbeats, chunky grooves, and progressive yet earworming guitar melodies not only provide a backdrop for Crabb to again showcase her vocal talents, but craft a world that feels visceral and tangible yet not devoid of hooks. “Life in Slow Motion” doubles down on the massive grooves and headbang-friendly riffs, only to snake them away for some dark, brooding melodies that are rooted in the esoteric. “A Thousand Days” finds it’s strongest footing in its ear-catching vocals from Crabb at it’s chorus, coupled with some gloomy melodies from Koperweis. “Return to Me” escalates this darker descent for it’s culminating track. Eerie, almost otherworldy riffing and melodies flirt with Crabb’s almost desperate sounding screams towards the end give it some really bone-chilling vibes as it closes.
Entheos continue to be one of the most creative and interesting forces in extreme music. An End to Everything offers a huge platter of diversity without feeling like a smorgasbord. If you want something that can manage to be absurdly heavy yet intellectual, technical yet cinematic, as well as being gripping and cinematic, Entheos provide a certain thrill that other groups just can’t seem to capture.