THIS ENDING is a melodic death metal band from Sweden.  They have a somewhat confusing history but have released several solid albums throughout their time. In 1991 a band called A CANOROUS QUARTET was formed but in 1993, it was changed to A CANOROUS QUINTET.  Under this moniker, the band released two full length albums, two EPS, and three demos before their demise.  In 2005, the members reformed as THE PLAGUE and released a demo.  In 2006, they once again changed their name to THIS ENDING.   They released three full length albums and an EP before bringing back A CANOROUS QUINTET, who then re-recorded and re-released their classic "The Only Pure Hate" album.  THIS ENDING however is also still active and return with their first full length album in five years, and their fourth overall, "Needles of Rust."

I have always felt this band is very underrated but hopefully "Needles of Rust" will propel them further because it is a damn solid album.  Is it groundbreaking and life changing?  No.  But it is extremely well written, well played, and well produced. I find them to be both more atmospheric and yet hard hitting than many of the modern wave of melodic death metal bands.  They have a loud, crushing sound that is very updated and modern but they don't try to introduce any pointless elements that would detract from their sound.  Simply put, this is straight up melodic death metal.

"My Open Wound," begins with speedy riffs and hyper blasted drums, letting through some more blackened influences.  The riffs are solid and work great with the raspy, death metal highs.  The groove remains consistent throughout the song, often times boosted up by the substantial double bass. The song's middle portion lets their melody take center stage before the band doubles down on the intensity, complete with lower register death growls.

"Embraced By The Night," has more intricate riffing that intertwines with the guitar melodies for a catchy movement.  The song has some somber parts after the one minute mark that are a stark contrast to the song's beginning but it feels very well put together.  The sudden burst of speed around the 1:32 mark is a nice surprise just as the way it fades back into the more melancholic pastures. The quiet, introspective parts are separated by bursts of electric fury and I loved how easy it all goes down—once again, a testament to the song writing prowess of the band.

"Eclipse of the Dead," is one of my favorite songs on the album.  The clean guitar and the lush melodies that build up afterwards lend the song an almost classical feel.  The song goes at a slower tempo at first which makes the song all that more heavy.  The melodies are urgent and build towards the climax of the wonderful guitar solo and flows back into the song itself, backing up the wall of sound from the rhythm section.

The title track has a cold, lurking atmosphere to it; the way the melodic parts are birthed from it is slick as hell too.  The vocals and rhythm guitar are absolutely vicious here, going for broke for angered intensity.  As the song moves along, it ramps up  that intensity but never goes overboard; rather it hangs on to it and releases it as just the right moments, such as the 3:52 mark when that scream pierces the veil and the entire band becomes one pulverizing machine.

With "Needles of Rust," THIS ENDING continue to prove their staying power while also cementing their legacy within the hallowed hall of this well respected genre.