It’s funny how ‘everything’ kind of sounds like 00’s alt-metal with extra shots of groove metal and metalcore. Never End peddle music of simple, straightforward structures, built on simple hooks. As is tradition in this style, the riffs are second-class citizens whenever the vocals show up, but in between, the powerchord laden hooks are catchy enough to fill the time. The vocals are evenly split between a coarse core shout and clean vocals that recall ye olde pop-punk, especially on “Building Shields” and closer “Driven So Far,” which might have gone over well with the Hot Topic clientele. Most of the remainder is a little heavier than that, reminding more of Lamb of God or, on occasion, Five Finger Death Punch.
Instrumentally, the band does fine for the style. The hooks are catchy enough, and if music like this was part of your gateway, you might get a nostalgic twang once or twice. In a notable change from their main inspirations, Never End does not eschew guitar solos entirely, and they’re a welcome diversion even if not exceptional in composition. One thing I often appreciate about bands like this is their enthusiasm, and Never End is no exception. The production chips in here as well, giving an extra kick with the boosted bass and drums, and though the mastering is mostly industry standard, this part of the mix at least makes for a lively record.
The Cold and the Craving is pretty much the definition of a 1.5. It’s poor in concept and mediocre in execution, largely due to the unfortunate vocals and derivative, outdated songwriting. It’s not a total loss, because it does sound like an album with heart. Never End poured a lot of passion into this record, and that is certainly audible. But it’s not enough on its own to make it something I can recommend to anyone but the most die-hard 00’s radio metal nostalgic.
Rating: 1.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 192 kbps mp3
Label: Brutal Records
Website: facebook.com/neverendpt
Releases Worldwide: September 3rd, 2021