Review
This Ending
Inside the Machine

Metal Blade (2007) Kevin Fitzpatrick

This Ending – Inside the Machine cover artwork
This Ending – Inside the Machine — Metal Blade, 2007

This Ending's Inside the Machine is a creeper. The first time I heard it, I really didn't care for it. It was alright, but the music seemed somewhat stilted and uninspired. Sure it was heavy, but so are a lot of groups - groups that manage to be more interesting, as well. Then, as I'm wont to do, I gave the album a second listen, and then a third. And with each listen, it became apparent that while hardly earthshaking, this was an album to savored and appreciated in its own time like a fine wine, cheese, or exploitational film.

This isn't to say that Inside the Machine is without its flaws, of which there are many. It definitely falls into the melodic death metal category, yes, but sadly brings nothing new to the genre. The blast beats and riffing will all sound familiar to most, but Swedish melodic death metal is a fairly critic-proof thing as the average listener isn't looking for a challenge, just something to play Gears of War to, and for that, the album will do well. It deserves your respect, maybe even your allowance but make no mistake, there's better music out there that's more original, more punishing, and more worthy of a longer review.

All indications are that This Ending is a side project only, the project of Amon Amarth drummer Fredrik Andersson, to be precise. Now, maybe I'm out of the loop because I don't speak Swedish, or because I'm not "Viking" enough, but I find it odd that neither group appear to acknowledge the others' existence. Whatever the reason, this is not a band to be so easily written off because if this is just a temporary thing, it's a fully realized album in most aspects. Although they may not be dismissed so quickly, it's whether they're remembered that remains to be seen. When all else is said and done, Inside the Machine is what it is and doesn't try to be anything more. If that's good enough for you, then go get it - you won't be disappointed.

This Ending – Inside the Machine cover artwork
This Ending – Inside the Machine — Metal Blade, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Jason Paul + The Know It Alls

I'm Absolutely Terrified
Independent (2025)

I'd call Jason Paul + The Know It Alls happy punk except, well, it ain't. The lyrics are somber and thoughtful, yet the tone and melodies are uplifting and that's what I go by. I'd also call it San Pedro chill punk, as it has some similar elements to other bands from the area while maintaining a go-with-the-flow kind of … Read more

Various Artists

Pulley/Fire Sale – ‘Split Personality'
Negative Progression Records (2025)

When I saw this split 7” announced, I genuinely got excited. I love both bands. I knew that when you have two powerhouse punk bands coming together to drop a split, nothing could go wrong. While one of the bands, Pulley, is a household name in the punk community, the other is on the rise. I guarantee you know the … Read more

Middle-Aged Queers

Theatre of Shame
Engineer Records, Sell The Heart Records (2025)

Theatre Of Shame is the third LP from Bay Area band Middle-Aged Queers, a band whose moniker definitely gives away the plot. The band celebrates community with party punk songs like "Glizzies Banging" and "Pajama Party," but it also has pointed political commentary about the dangers of a bigoted society. In equal parts, Theatre Of Shame is about celebration and … Read more