IT'S THE END

A lot of talents is showcased on this initial effort by new Norwegian band It's The End. And a real treat for anyone with an interest in truly challenging, eclectic and complex instrumental art rock it is.

Those who enjoy bands mixing in everything and the kitchen sink will have a field day with this album. With stylisitc expressions ranging from atmopspheric, melodic fusion to quirky and difficult to grasp metal, the band visits most stylistic expressions in between as well. And they tend do explore challenging varieties of the different genres touched upon, gleefully adding arhythmic tendencies, dissonant textures and disharmonic layers to their excursions. With sickly sounding instrumental patterns and decaying, defragmenting themes as something of a speciality.

Highly intricate and quirky, and at times really daunting in complexity and chaotic moods, this isn't music suited to the masses. Those who do enjoy such endeavours will find themselves a gem with this one though. Everything doesn't work or sit well, but some of the charm with these releases is the journey itself - and to discover on which occasions it is a successful one.