This is the second album from Modern Rites, a Swiss/US black metal band.
Endless is the follow up to 2021’s Monuments and contains 41 minuets of new music from Modern Rites, (who are made up of members of Aara and Kuyashii). It’s a wonderfully realised expression of aggressively bleak blackened darkness.
After a soft, swelling intro track that actually earns its 2-minute duration, we’re reunited with Modern Rites’ form of contemporary black metal. It’s both aggressive and expressive, and steeped in quality.
The style of Endless is that of a modern interpretation of melodic black metal, with an industrial edge. The melodies aren’t bright and shining like much melodic black metal, but instead are dark and feeling-rich. These melodies are an important part of the success of Endless, and are frequently striking and impactful. They’re not the only reason why this is such a good record though.
The songwriting is dynamic and energetic, and the songs are rewarding slabs of textured distortion. The guitars are memorable in general, regardless of what they’re doing. The riffs are strong, and there are an abundance of compelling rhythmic patterns and engaging structures. The synths have great presence and add real value. They’re not overused, but deployed strategically at key moments. The vocals sound better than ever too – rough and effective, they have a charismatic quality to them that’s unexpected for what are essentially just harsh growled shouts.
Although I enjoyed Monuments, Endless is the superior record. Modern Rites have learned from their debut album and improved on everything, resulting in eight songs, (plus intro), of really strong and enjoyable modern black metal. It also boasts a very satisfying production that makes the most of the band’s performances.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 