Metal/Review The End Is Near - Executioner EP

The End Is Near, hailing from Orange County, CA, United States, showcases instrumental prowess by guitarist Tim Baker, poignant lyrics penned by lead singer Chris Hagen, and powerful drumming by Nick Rickenbach.

The End Is Near's “Executioner EP” is brief but unquestionably savage, delivering a relentless dose of metalcore and deathcore ferocity in less than eight minutes. This record, which was influenced by 100 Demons, The Acacia Strain, and Despised Icon, is a sonic abyss that doesn't hold back.

“Executioner EP” engulfs listeners in a torrent of guttural vocals, blazing guitars, and brutal breakdowns from the very first note. Songs like "Digging Ditches" and "Grindhouse" demonstrate the band's ability to create a chaotic yet deliberate environment by balancing pure violence with savagery that is loaded with grooves. The guttural vocal delivery adds a raw, primal intensity that lingers long after the music has ended, while the tight, crushing guitar tones and unrelenting drumming create a sense of imminent doom.

The “Executioner EP,” which Tim Baker recorded, engineered, and produced in his home studio, maintains a raw, visceral edge that seems natural but accurate—a crucial characteristic in a genre where excessive production can occasionally rob authenticity. It is evident that this EP is intended to be consumed as a single, unrelenting experience rather than as a compilation of songs because each track flows naturally into the next.

The End Is Near's “Executioner EP” advances Orange County's legendary metalcore culture rather than merely honoring it. If this EP is any indicator, the band is preparing to make their mark in the heavy music scene. This explosive release is just a taste of the destruction that will be found on their upcoming debut LP.