DESERT NEAR THE END (Extreme Power/Thrash Metal – Greece 🇬🇷 ) – Album Review via Angels PR Worldwide Music Promotion – “TIDES OF TIME” – Out NOW via Theogonia Records) #ExtremeMetal #PowerMetal #ThrashMetal #HeavyMetal
***Review provided by ANGELS PR WORLDWIDE MUSIC PROMOTION —- Thank you!! ***
Desert Near The End – “Tides of Time”
With their sixth studio album, “Tides of Time”, Desert Near the End has delivered a sonic epic that feels as monumental as the rise and fall of the civilizations it seeks to portray. Polished yet uncompromisingly brutal, the album weaves lyrical narratives of forgotten kings, fallen cities, and the inexorable tide of time, all set to the backdrop of an expansive metal soundscape.
From the opening track, “Tides of Time” grips listeners with its fusion of raw power and grand, atmospheric arrangements. The band draws from a vast spectrum of influences, seamlessly merging power, thrash, and symphonic metal into a cohesive whole. It’s an album that is difficult to pin down—brimming with diversity while maintaining a distinct identity.
Desert Near the End’s approach to storytelling through music is what sets this record apart. Each track feels like a standalone tale while contributing to the overarching themes of the album. The intricate layers and dynamic shifts mirror the ebb and flow of history itself—unpredictable and awe-inspiring.
In “Damnation”, Ruby Bouzioti’s haunting guest vocals on this track elevate it to an album highlight. Her ethereal tones contrast beautifully with the thunderous instrumentation, bringing a delicate, almost spiritual dimension to the song. The result is a symphonic-infused powerhouse that encapsulates the album’s epic spirit, delivering both the essence of damnation through the instrumentation and of the redemption through the ethereal tones.
“In The North of Every Man’s Heart”, the album’s closer is a stunningly emotional piece that lingers long after the final notes. Featuring Nik Rock’s acoustic guitar and atmospheric effects, the track offers a moment of calm and clarity amid the album’s relentless energy. It’s a chilling ballad that perfectly encapsulates the album’s themes of loss and perseverance, feeling like the calm before and after a heavy storm.
The “Burn Like the Sun, Shine Like the Daw” is one of the album’s most energetic offerings, this track brings the band’s power/thrash roots to the forefront. Its fast-paced rhythms, anthemic chorus, and medieval-inspired melodic interlude make it an instant standout.
“Ascension” nods subtly to the classic metal sounds of Running Wild with its driving riffs, but Desert Near the End imbues it with their unique ferocity and technical precision. On the other hand completely, “Children of Lethe” is a haunting and gothic-tinged masterpiece, this song’s melodic intro and dramatic build-up keeps the listener on the edge for the whole duration of the song. The epic finale, paired with emotive vocal lines, makes it a track to revisit repeatedly, and admittedly my personal favourite.
While “Tides of Time” channels the aggression and technicality fans expect, it also showcases the band’s evolution. The inclusion of acoustic textures, symphonic elements, and guest performances demonstrates their willingness to explore new territory. Alexandros Papandreou’s versatile vocals stand out across the album, balancing grit and melody with finesse.
The album’s production deserves mention as well. Every element—from the sharp-edged guitars to the cinematic layers—shines with clarity, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.
“Tides of Time” is a triumph of storytelling through sound. It’s an album that demands attention, not just for its technical brilliance but for the emotional weight it carries. Desert Near the End has crafted a record that bridges the gap between brute force and melodic grandeur, appealing to fans across the metal spectrum.
⬇️ Order here ⬇️
Webshop: https://tinyurl.com/buytidesoftime
Bandcamp: https://tinyurl.com/dntetidesoftime
Band Lineup:
Alexandros Papandreou – Vocals
Spyros Vasilakis – Guitars
Jason Ioakeim – Guitars
Akis Prasinikas – Bass
Stelios Pepinidis – Drums
Find DESERT NEAR THE END on Social Media:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
YOUTUBE
https://www.facebook.com/AngelsPRmusicPromotion/
https://www.instagram.com/angelsprmusicpromotion
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.