The Time Is Near

Stateside music fans would be forgiven for assuming that there isn't much of a hardcore metal scene in Finland. After all, this is the same locale that musically is best known for spawning goth metallists H.I.M. and glam punkers Hanoi Rocks. Proving once and for all that hardcore metal is a universally accepted style, 2006 saw the debut full-length release by the Finnish quintet Endstand, The Time Is Now. And wouldn't you know it, the chaps have obviously studied their Negative Approach and Hope Conspiracy records back to front. Admittedly, Endstand doesn't exactly bring anything new to the hardcore metal table -- angst screaming, metallic riffs, metronome-perfect drum beats, and speedy tempos are all necessary ingredients in this aforementioned musical genre, and Endstand certainly obeys the rules on such tracks as "Way Out," "Counting the Days," and "Right from the Start." Endstand's The Time Is Now is sure to appeal to fans of no-frills hardcore metal. ~ Greg Prato|