NERVE END is a Progressive Metal band based in Finland. "The Cycle" is their newest album, and it has 10 songs. The title track is first. Smooth and somewhat eerie keyboard sounds open the song, followed by a sturdy riff that explores. The vocalist has an excellent voice, and the melodies are plentiful. "Stormchaser" begins with a catchy riff and vocal hooks. The vocals go from a harsh edge to smooth at the drop of a dime, as does the music, and that guitar solo is fantastic. "The Great Escape" has a wonderful combination of bright melodies and a hardened backbone of Metal. There are even some saxophone notes. Again, the leads are outstanding.

"Stalemate" is a short instrumental leading to "Deep Blue," which has chunky, punishing riffs and harsh vocals. It retreats to mysterious melodies, as the deep blue itself is quite mysterious, before circling back to the harder elements. "The Big Sleep" also has great melodies, and this is a common theme for the album. Although this song more introspective, it is so catchy that you can easily sing along with the chorus. "Absolution" has rougher edges, from a heavy riff and harsh vocals. So far, the combination of the two styles works quite well on the album, because just when you get into the harsh groove, melodies wipe away the dirt.

"Children of the Sun" has pretty but somewhat sad melodies. Still, it's another catchy offering where the wonderful musicianship of the band does not overpower their songwriting skills. "Ashes to Ashes" closes the album. It has a very sturdy structure underneath a bed of sparkling melodies. This lengthy offering has a good deal of supporting elements, yet the main sound remains strong throughout the song. Overall, this is a very promising name in the wide field of Progressive Metal. The band smartly offers the listener heavy, ardent backbones with strong melodies and harmonies, and their music is very catchy to boot. This is a band to keep your eye on.