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ENDLESS VOID
"Apparitions" (Self-produced; 2020)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Here we are in 2021, eleven years since I originally reviewed Endless Void's "Apparitions," when what should appear once again in my e-mail? A note from James Owen, the driving force behind Endless Void, asking if I was ready for some new Endless Void music.
I'm always ready for new music so I asked James to send it away. And he did. And what showed up in my mail a few days later was a CD labeled "Apparitions" which immediately confused me because the last album I reviewed by Endless Void carried the same title.
So I went into my office, sat down at my computer, and compared the 2020 "Apparitions" with the 2010 "Apparitions." And, for at least six tracks, it's exactly the same. Same songs, same mixes, same everything as far as I can tell. The only difference is the addition of three new songs, and I'm not even sure they are new songs ... James has sent me multiple CDs with just two or three tracks on them over the years and, honestly, I've lost track.
So, anyway, to be fair, I listened to "Apparitions" again through and through and not much has changed from my initial thoughts back in 2010. The music is low and heavy, even a little doomy. The guitars are fuzzy and the riffs and leads pretty solid. The vocals are okay in some places and buried in the mix or futzed with in the studio so they sound odd. The production is still mostly awful and that detracts pretty heavily from the overall effect. There's something here to be sure but it remains hidden in not only this recording but in Owens' apparent desire to remain unknown. I mean, search for "Endless Void" and "James Owen" on Google. You'll find plenty of reviews, etc., but no way learn anything about the band, no way to contact them and nowhere to buy or listen to their music.
Endless Void is an enigma. Maybe that's the whole point. Regardless, I remain puzzled.
"Apparitions" (Self-produced; 2010)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"Apparitions" Is classic hard rock with addictive riffs that stick in your head long after the songs are over. As you may have guessed from the title, the lyrics and themes revolve around zombies, the undead, etcetera.
This is a low-budget recording and the production is a little underwhelming, including vocals that are drenched in echo. Still, overall, this is a pretty entertaining record with those riffs drawing you back again and again.
Unfortunately, this band is pretty hard to find out there. For some reason, they have avoided the ease of Social Media and opted to stay off the radar (at least as far as I can tell). If that changes, I'll be sure and post that information here. (And, by the way, when I speak of "band" here, I basically mean its driving force, Mr. James Owen).
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2021 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
