My first impressions are very strong! Despite their earlier claim that it would be their heaviest album ever, it also houses some of the catchiest and most melodic songs they’ve even written. Many moments give me Queens Of The Stone Age vibes, either vocally (Schuylar has some playful / goofy deliveries here and there) or instrumentally. I heard some Mastodon vibes too. The biggest surprise so far is « Circus Circus ». It takes the listener on quite a ride and the hook that opens it has a strong R&B or Sade groove to it… which I never expected to claim about one of their songs. I didn’t give it a listen when it was released as a single but another early favorite is « Sour ». It’s very reminiscent of I Am Hollywood’s softer songs and its lighter sound blends surprisingly well with the chugging metal riffing heard on most of the rest of the record. I can’t wait to dive back in once I wake up!
I think Endless Hallway is a really good heavy metal album. Kinda similar in philosophy to Deftones's Diamond Eyes if that makes sense - more concise songs, heavier overall sound with screaming here and there and a big emphasis on melody. I'm missing the more progressive songs from Suck Out to Heavy Fruit eras. I want them to really open up and explore over 4-8 minute songs more consistently like they used to. Still, this is one hell of an album.
Listened to it on my way to work, didn't get through it all but wow Sour is just an I Am Hollywood song with modern He Is Legend lol, very cool
This thing *sounds* immaculate. Vocals soar when they’re supposed to, guitars absolutely rip, drums are huge. Shoutout to Schuyler for switching up the vocal delivery enough to keep it fresh. Love this so far.
I get you, it’s the second album in a row that’s pretty much bangers front to back (not that it bothers me!) so the lack of those type of songs can be felt. Maybe they’ll go back to writing longer ones next time?
Tried spinning the new record this morning and man was it a miss for me. Everything sounds very synthetic/formulaic, none of the variety or personality of typical HIL releases. I definitely think there's a component in the recording/production that's rubbing me the wrong way, I just can't quite put my finger on it. Neither this or White Bat touches few IMO, and I'm still hopeful for the next one to hit better. I may give it some time and spin it again and see if I can get into it, but really bummed to feel this way about it with how much I love this band.
Oh I like White Bat more than few, this one needs more time for me to see where it ranks. Perpetual stank face listening through Lord Slug (in a good way)
These guys just can't miss. Here's to hoping this album does for them what White Bat was on track to do before COVID hit.
Time's Fake's chorus all of a sudden clicked for me, on first listen I thought it was good but now I really dig the chorus to it. If I had to name a weakest song on the album so far I'd probably say Animals but it's not like I dislike it. The chorus on that one is still kind of a little iffy to me with the "whoa oh oh." Oh and I guess I should say as someone who has The Garden of one of their best songs in their discography, Return To The Garden rips. I think I like The Garden more but Return is a completely worthy successor.
i was worried they wouldn't be able to top Boogiewoman (as an epic album closer) but Lord Slug just might take the cake!
Loving all the Gojira-esque pick scrapes that Adam employed on this thing. Had to sit down and learn how to do them this morning because they sound so cool haha.