End Of Level Boss - Eklectric

End Of Level Boss - Eklectric
Genre: Metal/Rock
Rating: 9/10

Following a 4 year silence End Of Level Boss return with their much anticipated 3rd LP Eklectric. The bands last album 2007's Inside The Difference Engine was met by favourable reviews by many in the music media however the band have still not progressed much in terms of fame or notoriety which is nothing short of a crying shame. Whilst many bands would change their formula in an attempt to break out into the public consciousness End Of Level Boss make no such compromise here on their 3rd LP.

The bands sound is often compared to Stoner Rock giants Kyuss which would be accurate if it not for End Of Level Boss's heavier and darker sound. The band specialise in creating huge behemoths of songs consisting of filthy primal riffs and slow sludgey rythm sections whilst utilising reverb to distort the punishing guitars. The vocals are where I believe the Kyuss comparison stems as Harry Armstrong's confident defiant roar sounds very much like an angry Garcia. The main development or shift in sound is the bands rythm section which has sped and tightened up leaping from slow visceral cymbals into full blown auditory assault on the senses. This gives songs a sense of energy and urgency that was lacking on previous outings. The key components remain largely unchanged the riffs are still colossal the songs still keep their angst ridden vitriol and the whole damn thing is a brilliant exercise in primitive rage. Highlights include the inspired opener "As The Earth Forgets Us" which starts with some horrendous feedback transitions into a distorted mellow section before finally tearing your head apart. Whilst "Mouth Of Hats" and "Thud" provide some straight to the point primordial carnage. On top of this the overall flow and consistency of material has improved, whilst previous efforts stretched out songs to lengths that tested any listeners patience Eklectric seems more focused and driven.

Overall Eklectric is End Of Level Boss's most accomplished album yet. Whilst their mix of doom and stoner metal may not be for the faint hearted this album see's a band at its peak of raw power and would fit comfortably in any Metal heads collection. Highly recommended.

Download: "As The Earth Forgets Us" "Blueshift"