The End Is Near – "Executioner": A Relentless Sonic Onslaught from Orange County’s Metalcore Veterans
Hailing from the depths of Orange County’s metalcore scene, The End Is Near unleashes their latest sonic beast, "Executioner", a blistering one-minute assault that sets the tone for their upcoming debut EP. Comprised of Tim Baker (guitarist/producer), Chris Hagen (vocalist), and Nick Rickenbach (drummer), this trio is no stranger to heavy music. With over two decades of experience in the hardcore and metalcore underground, they've created a sound that merges the brutality of deathcore with the raw energy of early 2000s hardcore, injecting a much-needed dose of aggression into the modern heavy music landscape.
"Executioner" wastes no time, it’s a pure adrenaline shot to the system. Clocking in at just over a minute, the track is all killer, no filler, slamming listeners with punishing riffs, guttural vocals, and earth-shattering breakdowns. The band describes it as a "one-minute sensory assault", daring anyone to not move their head or make a "stank face" while listening. The song embodies everything that The End Is Near stands for: speed, intensity, and unapologetic heaviness.
Recorded and produced in Tim Baker’s garage, the Executioner EP is a DIY metal masterpiece. Instead of following conventional recording methods, drummer Nick Rickenbach tracked his parts using an electronic kit to capture MIDI, a bold move that resulted in a drum mix that hits like a freight train. The band’s decision to embrace modern digital tools instead of resisting them has allowed them to achieve a level of sonic quality that rivals big-budget productions all while staying fiercely independent.
As the intro and title track of their upcoming EP, "Executioner" serves as a statement of intent. It’s a battle cry, a warning, and a promise that The End Is Near is here to make an impact. The band’s unique blend of deathcore and hardcore influences brings a refreshing edge to today’s heavy music scene, and if "Executioner" is anything to go by, the full EP is set to be an absolute onslaught.
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