THE THIRD ENDING

The Third Ending - 'The Third Ending' 2.9 stars

A few changes and this band can show some promise.

Some of the apparent influences are implemented from the likes of Coheed and Cambria, Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree as far as I can tell. Strangely enough; I think those bands are prog, although on the fence with Coheed and Cambria, but this band doesn't sound very prog to me.

There are two weaknesses to this band. The first and strongest weakness would be the songwriting or compositional area. The structures are very typical inside radio friendly music. I must say that even those radio friendly bands have better choruses as The Third Ending have very weak ones. The songs also don't have too much depth to them, once you hear the first minute of the song; you have a good to great idea (depending on how much music you listen to) to where the song is going to go.not far. The second weakness is the sound itself. Most of the songs are introduced with acoustic guitars and then electric distorted ones are bought into the choruses with a synth thrown in here and there. The influence of Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree go a little too far in some of the songs. The third song 'Tungsten Blues' has a bunch of riffs from 'Falling into Infinity' all over it. The Porcupine Tree influence is huge on the bass guitar. The bassist has a carbon copy playing style of Colin Edwin. Sometimes the guitars sound a bit like Wilson also.

This band can use some adjustments, and surely turn into a solid act. The album was almost a good one, but really not good enough. My recommendation would be to someone that takes a liking to alternative rock or fans of the Porcupine Tree influenced bands such as Nosound and Abigail's Ghost.

Enjoyable but definitely non-essential.

THE THIRD ENDING is that kind of band (at least, to me), that is good whilee it's playing. But when the music's over you has nothing to remember from the whole album. In fact, these guys are terrific professionals, but they need to shape their music- writing abilities a bit. For now THE THIRD ENDING sounds a bit faceless, too much like Mainstream Prog, which is rapidly growing these days...and I'd be a liar if I say I dislike the trend ;)

In few words: mix most melodic DREAM THEATER ("Can You Hear Me") and late PORCUPINE TREE ("Back Home") in almost equal proportions. You'll recieve quite enjoyable melodic Heavy Prog, with lots of ballads, reoccuring musical themes and harmonies, good singing and nice playing. Unfortunately, nothing more except this all...but it's enough if you just want to have an hour of good contemporary hard-edged Prog. Decide for yourself.

This is a four piece band from Australia aka Down Under. The band was founded in 2002 by a group of friends who started to make music along with the drinking of some beer (according to their biography)! It lasted until 2006 (perhaps because of the poor quality of Australian beer?) until they finally succeeded to make their debut album, it was released by USA label ProgRock Records.

The Third Ending sounds modern and alternating, often from dreamy with acoustic rhythm guitar, piano and warm vocals to compelling with lush keyboards (frequent violin-Mellotron sound) to prog-metal-like atmospheres featuring propulsive drums and varied, powerful guitar work (from slide-guitar to heavy riffs and sensitive soli). Listening to The Third Ending, Rush comes to my mind due to the dynamic, clear and modern sound and Dream Theater because of the heavy guitar riffs. My highlights are Can You Hear Me? (alternating with wonderful acoustic guitar solo and a howling guitar solo, supported by violin-Mellotron waves), Falling (also very alternating with great tension between heavy guitar riffs and ominous sounding choir-Mellotron, this is Progheaven!) and Coming Around (a sensitive guitar solo with pleasant organ waves and an exciting break delivering propulsive guitar riffs and sumptuous keyboards).

To me this debut-CD sounds very promising, I hope this wil not be just another one-shot-band! My rating: 3,5 stars.

www.progwalhalla.com

These Australian guys have been recieving quite a lot of praise, especially in and around Australia.

Personally I don't think this release is that great though. Most songs start out rather mellow, often with acoustic guitars accompanied by synth or piano first, and then the fuzz guitars are added for the chorus. As the different songs play along, more guitars are usually added as the song develops as well. All nicely executed, often in a power ballad sort of way.

The best thing on this release are some killer guitar riffs that pops up now and then; while the worst part is somewhat generic sounding songs and somewhat weak chorus parts.

Still, all in all a nice release. And these guys clearly show talent, that hopefully will be further developed on their next release.