Odds Against Tomorrow

This album starts off with what is definitely one of the hardest-hitting intros I've heard in a very long time! The transition from a trash-metal riff straight into a full-frontal hardcore head-shaker truely exemplifies what this band has accomplished over the years. What started out as a European influenced melodic-death based band has evolved into an American influenced hardcore unit. Some sceptics may be put off, but I see a band that has finally found the sound they really needed to make.

While it would be safe to qualify this album as hardcore, there is no denying the trash elements as well as the melodic riffs that were more prevalent on their previous release. "Connie Longacre" is a good example of how these different styles can be blended seemlessly (in addition to an amazing chorus line!) into one amazing song. Another particularly strong song would be "This is All There Is" which switches from trash to hardcore, back to trash. This song also features one of the few solos on the album, although definitely the best one.

Other standout tracks include "Self-Destruct" (feat. Matt McGachy from 3 Mile Scream), "Time of Need", "Something That Will Fall", and "Path to Freedom" which must just send mosh pits into an absolute frenzy! Oddly, I felt like some of the weaker tracks were the opener and closer of the album ("The Craving" and "Odds Against Tomorrow" respectively). They seem to not have as much direction as the other songs on the album, yet still never truly dissapoint.

Another highlight of this album are the acoustic tracks. Once again, this seems to be a nod the band is making to its earlier melodic-death days - seeing how every Gothenburg band snuck at least one of these 1-2 minute long tracks to lighten the mood. However, unlike many Gothenburg acts and their followers, Endast's acoustic pieces come off strong (except maybe for "The Only"). Personal favorite would be "Alone" the final track of the album. Very simple, yet very moving nonetheless.

Overall, this band has much to look forward to. This album sounds great, and is leaps and bounds beyond countless other hardcore acts across the continent. My only wonder is if we're going to have a "new" and different sounding Endast to look forward to for their second full-length release - which I am eagerly anticipating.