ENDLESS CHAIN is a Progressive, Gothic Metal band from Finland formed in 2018. “Agony” is their second full-length album. From their EPK, “Thematically encapsulating the delicate balance between dream and reality, escapism, light and shadow, and the intrinsic emotions of loneliness and isolation, "Agony" dives deep into ten soul stirring compositions. Musically, a darker direction unfolds, merging atmospheric melodies with heavy & aggressive riffs to craft a captivating and unique sound. With a profound focus on the interplay of dark beauty, "Agony" promises to captivate listeners with its depth and intensity.”

The album has ten songs, and a short introductory song leads to the title track. It has an acoustic lead-in, followed by a heavy riff, thumping bass, and emotive clean vocals. The harsh vocals usher in a more aggressive edge, but this is a catchy song. “Human Race” fits some electronic into the song, and the twin guitar harmonies combined with the clean vocals creates dark melodies with hooks. “We Are Here” has a somber edge to it. The song moves at a slow, crawling pace, allowing the weight to settle in. One of the best parts of their sound so far is how they maintain the balance between fragility and aggression.

“Burn the Skies Above” has a smooth and catchy sound, mostly from the guitars and keyboards that back the vocals, which drip with emotion. Take a listen to the chorus—it’s full of great hooks. “Ghost” begins with clean guitars in a somber passage and shows more of the vulnerable side of the band. The tones are both delicate and beautiful, and the vocals are especially emotional. “Until No One Comes” goes the other direction, with harsh vocals and a contentious riff leading the charge. But the song is still laden with emotion, one of the constant themes on the album. “Beyond What You Believe” has another weighted and catchy sound, two things that the band is excellent at.

“We Are All Vulnerable” closes the album, and it is as pretty as it is punishing. For me, this is an album about the exploration of yourself. The heavier, weighted tones reflect the darkness that we all have inside, while the delicate, catchy tones represent the innocence and beauty of life. The fact of the matter is that neither can exist without the other…one of the great paradoxes of human life. At its core, the album was truly captivating.