END OF MAN „Power, Corruption, and Lies”

Genre: Thrash
Country: Philippines
Band Website: www.endofman.net
Duration: 29:02


Killer Songs: Questioning,” “Power, Corruption, and Lies,” “Pagkagat ng Dilim”

Doing away with useless intros, opening salvo “Questioning” is your standard fare crunchy Thrash number that’s all insane decibels and buzzing riffs. You’ve heard it before and will likely hear it again with so many other bands, but End Of Man do it so good, it’s roast chicken for your ears. Now Joey De Guzman’s vocals may be similar to his namesake, Anthrax’s Joey Belladona, but he also does the rapid-fire belting most Thrash fans assume is proper for the genre. You really don’t mind, because the start of End of Man’s debut opus comes jam-packed with promise for music that’s obscene and violent.

Keeping the listener on the edge of his/her seat, “Depression and Suicide” rips through its four-minute length to bring title track “Power, Corruption, and Lies” into focus. Without a doubt the album’s finest moment, mixing dirty Thrash with an NWOBHM gallop and tons of riffs around the chorus, the song “Power, Corruption, and Lies” breathes this Filipino quintet’s passion and single-mindedness unlike anything else you will find on the album.

The next two songs could mark a downward spiral into the realm of filler-dom, yet there are still enough blistering solos and pummeling drums from the band to keep you at least slightly attentive. And if that attention is a lot more focused, a beautiful moment of medieval guitars and heartfelt balladry pops out on “Hate Attrition”’s latter half. Except for a soulful guitar noodle around “Pit of Death” that reeks of class and smoky dives, the usual Thrash influences prevail throughout this album: You have your “Kill ‘Em All” riffs, straightforward Kreator intensity, and repetitive lyrics about negative feelings.

As it spirals towards its finish, the band resurrect a greatest hit of sorts from one member’s previous stint, “Pagkagat ng Dilim” packs apocalyptic guitars last heard on Lamb of God’s “Ruin” and a devastating solo played against this immense breakdown. It’s also sung in the Filipino language so forget trying to understand its vicious lyrics and just enjoy its equally vicious delivery. (The title loosely translates as “When Night Descends,” but this doesn’t do it justice.) Far from unique and packing no surprises for ears appreciative of Thrash, End of Man’s debut outing remains a high-energy frolic through a very dangerous park.

And you probably missed that Death Angel pun right there.

note: 7/10

Tracklist

1.Questioning
2.Depression and Suicide
3.Power, Corruption, and Lies
4.Hate Attrition
5.Invocation of the Flesh
6.Blood Betrayal
7.Pit of Death
8.Pagkagat ng Dilim

Line-up

Joey De Guzman- Vocals
Yam Dela Torre- Guitars
JC Paterno- Guitars
Francis Alcantara- Bass
John Carpio- Drums