APOLLO ENDS

This album is the embodiment of something ending, but in a way that's calm, reflective and beautiful instead of dramatic or harsh. It's about the sun going under, about the sun god Apollo dying, but it's not just about death. There's also this sense of being reborn, something falling apart so something new can begin. When I listen to this album, there's no repetition. Every song is different. It's always moving forward, and that fits the idea of change and letting go. That's what I love about it.

The album is overly melodic, and I mean that in the best way possible. It's not heavy from a musical aspect, but the emotions and lyrics intertwined into this album hit you hard. It's detailed, emotional, and feels like it was crafted carefully. The melodies feel warm and cold at the same time. Some riffs come out of nowhere and disappear just as fast. Nothing sticks around too long, and that gives it a sense of rapid loss, but also of movement. It fits the concept perfectly.

What really pulls me in is the vocals. The clean singing is strong and expressive. It doesn't sound forced. When the cleans blend with the growls it's beautiful and fits so well. The two voices don't fight for space. They support each other. It feels like one person is falling into chaos while the other embraces the end. It adds a lot of emotional weight, and it gives each track something unique to hold onto.

The jazz parts are some of the best parts of the album. The trumpets and trombones aren't just background noise or experiments. They sound alive and take the lead. When they come in, it's sharp and sudden. They give the songs a strange energy, like a final march that isn't slow or sad, but full of motion and tension. It doesn't take away from the music or get in the way, it makes it stronger. It gives the album its own voice.

The production fits what the album is doing. It's clean enough to hear all the layers and instruments but raw enough to feel authentic. The guitars have a dry but beautiful tone that fits perfectly with the atmosphere. The drums are tight and steady, not overdoing it but still doing just enough. The horns sound just bright enough to cut through.

There are sone riffs and fills that feel like they just miss, but that never pulls me out of it. If anything, it adds to the feel. It doesn't feel like they were trying to make a perfect prog death album and they didn't, but it's up there with some of the best. It's not going to please everyone, but you won't forget it. It's focused on one idea, one narrative, and it sticks to it from beginning to end.

Apollo Ends is one of the most unique and honest progressive death metal albums I've ever heard. It's emotional, unpredictable, and has a clear story. Everything from the melodies to the vocals to the jazz fusion fits into that idea of fading light and eventual return. It's not just music. It's a farewell, but also a step into something new and it's one I'll never forget.

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