Modern hardcore at its peak, explosively entertaining and astutely crafted...
28 · 08 · 2025
With hardcore enjoying massive popularity, one might assume the genre is drowning in imitators and diluted interpretations of its intense core principles. Yet, the prominent bands within the scene not only continue to raise the bar of intensity but also consistently discover new ways to showcase their individuality amidst the genre's familiar beats and calls to mosh. Bands like the ferocious Jesus Piece (which has sadly disbanded this week), the innovative Show Me The Body, and the thrash-inspired Mindforce exemplify this dynamic and eclectic scene, which is evolving and enriching without compromising its thrilling (and sometimes playfully absurd) rawness.
End It are emerging as a band that is crossing the boundaries of genre fandom, receiving attention from mainstream publications such as this one. Their ascension to this level of respect and acclaim can be attributed to several factors. They have dedicated themselves to relentless touring (this writer once witnessed them perform in an abandoned hotel in Newport, Wales), showcase a versatile sound (with bone-crushing riffs, exhilarating solos, dynamic grooves, and soaring melodies), and feature Akil Godsey, one of the finest vocalists in the scene today. His tight, frantic scream is easily identifiable, he brings humor to the stage (often resembling a stand-up routine), and his lyrics on End It’s debut full-length, ‘Wrong Side Of Heaven’ (a fantastic title), expertly navigate the hardcore playbook, from powerful self-reflection to sharp critiques of societal issues.
Built upon a booming yet clear production style, ‘Wrong Side Of Heaven’ is a 15-track masterpiece, where each brief song masterfully employs every hardcore trick, often within its concise runtime. For instance, 'Optical Illusions' kicks off with frenetic punk energy, transitions into a syncopated buildup, and culminates in a groove that destroys pits. Complemented by an impressive classic rock riff and solo, the song concludes with Akil delivering a few stunning clean vocal lines. In just 74 seconds, End It encapsulate and elevate the genre's essentials. Other standout tracks highlight inventive rhythms (‘Life Sublime’, where the drums and guitars intertwine brilliantly), hilariously absurd breakdowns (the aptly named ‘Cloutbusting’), and soaring melodies (the more accessible ‘Could You Love Me’). This latter track, a cover of a 1996 song by the cult NYHC band Maximum Penalty, stands out as a highly enjoyable album highlight, sparking hopes that End It might produce original tracks in this vein in the future.
All these incredible genre thrills and moments of distinct excellence would significantly lessen in impact without Akil’s exceptional lyrics. While songs like ‘I Lament’ offer deeply personal insights (“with all due respect, I apologise/couldn’t see my wrongs through those same eyes”) that draw listeners into his intriguing psyche, it's his critiques of the American landscape that hit with pinpoint accuracy. ‘Pale Horse’ critiques blind ideological loyalties (“self sacrifice in the name of your tribe/assurance of freedom, now you will die”), ‘Anti-Colonial’ serves as an intense anthem for its titular cause (“bones breaking, air strike/there’s no reason for these children to die tonight”), and the foreboding ‘Empire’s Demise’ closes the album with the incendiary line “250 years, empires can not last/I hope the end comes quicker than that.”
‘Wrong Side Of Heaven’ embodies modern hardcore at its intense, mesmerizing, and intelligent pinnacle. It’s a well-rounded offering; filled with inventive musical techniques, piercing lyrical critiques, and numerous surprises. It's the kind of music you'd want to enjoy while skating through the charred remnants of a once-thriving city, always with a grin.
9/10
Words: Tom Morgan
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