Withoutend
Sampler 2004

August 2004
Released: 2004, Independent
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Waspman

Withoutend are a fresh new face on the prog-metal scene. Formed in Australia in 2001 in Melbourne (a home they share with Vanishing Point and Black Majesty), Witoutend quickly began putting together their brand of progressive music. They recorded a two-track demo that was well-received in their homeland, giving them the confidence to forge ahead and begin work on their debut full-length. The four tracks contained on this disc are taken from that forthcoming album, and serve to whet the appetite for what is to come.

First and foremost, Withoutend have more in common with bands like Ayreon and Eyekon than with the Dream Theatres and Pain of Salvations of the world. That is, they are decidedly not very heavy. Sure there are moments of crunchy guitar goodness on here, but for the most part Withoutend is more atmospheric and contemplative than crushingly heavy. That’s not necessarily a bad thing however, as songs like “Again” and “(Somebody To) Descend” are captivating in their mellow labyrinthine passages. Nicholas Georgakopoulos’ vocals are distinct and expressive and it is obvious that Michael Totta knows his way up and down a fret board.

The thing is, none of these four songs really reach out and demand to be listened to. This is average prog-music, not without merit, but certainly not ready to join the ranks of the elite. The band these guys try hard, but they are not quite there yet. Perhaps the rest of the coming debut album will yield more impressive results.