{"id":5223,"date":"2019-05-02T05:00:21","date_gmt":"2019-05-02T05:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rpmonline.co.uk\/?p=5223"},"modified":"2019-05-01T17:29:26","modified_gmt":"2019-05-01T17:29:26","slug":"frank-carter-the-rattlesnakes-end-of-suffering-international-death-cult","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rpmonline.co.uk\/?p=5223","title":{"rendered":"Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes \u2013 \u2018End Of Suffering\u2019 (International Death Cult)"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>\u201cIt is impossible to achieve the aim without suffering\u201d – John G Bennett (Philosopher 1897-1974)<\/p>\n

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Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes describe \u2018End Of Suffering\u2019 as their third and most important record, and they are not wrong. Following the success of their first two albums (\u2018Blossoms\u2019 and \u2018Modern Ruin\u2019 were recorded back to back just 8 months apart) the band hit the studio in London during the record-breaking heat wave of 2018, with the intention of taking their time to create the biggest and best album they could.<\/p>\n

To help achieve this, they roped in famed producer Cam Blackwood (Jack Savoretti\/George Ezra) and the legendary mixing talents of Alan Moulder (NIN\/QOTSA) to help turn their blood, sweat, and tears into something truly special.<\/p>\n

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The title \u2018End Of Suffering\u2019 comes from the Buddhist mantra for finding enlightenment, and the themes of this album document Frank\u2019s struggles for the last 2 years. First single \u2018Crowbar\u2019 may have lulled fans into a false sense of security that this album was going to be choc-a-bloc with primal, fist-pumping anthems of empowerment\u2019, but it\u2019s safe to say Frank and songwriting partner\/guitarist Dean Richardson have worked hard to take The Rattlesnakes to the next level. I believe their songwriting has matured beyond any of their previous work.<\/p>\n

At the heart of this album is the song \u2018Anxiety\u2019, a highlight at the recent intimate shows. With a hard-hitting video and relatable lyrics, it\u2019s a song that has already touched the hearts and souls of many fans. Dean\u2019s lone, haunting guitar riff sets the tone for Frank to open up more than he ever has before. \u2018Anxiety\u2019 is an anthem for unity, a song to raise your hands to and stamp your feet along to.<\/p>\n

You see, Frank Carter is a man who cares, and understands he is in a unique position where he can make a difference to people\u2019s lives through his music. And if the message he gives out prevents just one person from shutting themselves off from the world, making them realise that they are not alone and that it is ok to not be ok, then his job is done.<\/p>\n

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Heavy talk aside, \u2018End Of Suffering\u2019 is introspective and puts out a positive message. \u00a0It is not a punk album, nor is it an indie album. \u2018End Of Suffering\u2019 is a modern rock record that perfectly bridges the gap between Gallows and Pure Love, much more successfully than either of their two previous albums did.<\/p>\n

While the hardcore influence of Gallows that was still present throughout the first two albums is now all but a distant memory, \u2018End Of Suffering\u2019 is no less intense for it. Opener \u2018A Butterfly Can\u2019t Love A Spider\u2019 sets the intensity levels high from the word go. Riding on a formidable, pulsating beat and brooding vocals that build to a soaring crescendo, as Dean bashes out a dirty riff. \u201cWhen I\u2019m high, I\u2019m in Heaven, when I\u2019m low I\u2019m in Hell\u201d sings Frank, and we believe every word.<\/p>\n

The band then fire into the skulking beast that is \u2018Tyrant Lizard King\u2019. Featuring a cool, desert rock riff and a chorus that slithers from the speakers like a snake ready to inject its venom straight into the soul, it captivates and enraptures. A trademark off the wall solo from a certain Tom Morello fits the feel of the song perfectly. This tune is guaranteed to be a mainstay of The Rattlesnakes live set for years to come. 2 songs in, and it\u2019s safe to say the band has taken things up a notch or two.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a punk rock renegade\u201d drawls Frank on the opening line of the space age, indie punk hybrid \u2018Kitty Sucker, before launching into another anthemic, high energy chorus that matches the intensity of Gallows at their finest.<\/p>\n

With the likes of \u2018Little Devil\u2019 with its QOTSA feel and the regimental beats and high energy, post-punk vibes of \u2018Heartbreaker\u2019, The Rattlesnakes offer enough to satisfy all the cravings their fans desire. They even explore Portishead territory on the downbeat electronica soaked \u2018Angel Wings\u2019, a song that creates beautiful and cinematic imagery, if you just take the time to close your eyes and take it in.<\/p>\n

The emotive closing title track offers yet more with acoustic guitars, a piano refrain and a recording of Frank\u2019s four year old daughter laughing as the song fades out on singular ivory notes. \u201cI\u2019ll be waiting…even if I\u2019m gone\u201d Frank assures the listener in a near broken voice.<\/p>\n

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Between sorrow and beauty, where love and hate collide, the deeply personal \u2018End Of Suffering\u2019 could be the album to rocket Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes into stadiums around the world. It has already been stated elsewhere that this is their \u2018The Holy Bible\u2019, that this could be their \u2018In Utero\u2019. The difference being…this album offers hope where the others only gave despair.<\/p>\n

Funnily enough, the opening quote of this review was taken from the introduction of the U.S. mix of \u2018She Is Suffering\u2019 by the Manic Street Preachers. How\u2019s that for a tenuous link, pop pickers!<\/p>\n

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Buy End Of Suffering Here\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Author: Ben Hughes<\/p>\n