Reject the Sickness – Signs of the End

Reject the Sickness, a five-piece combo from Ghent (Belgium), has been storming the scene since 2010. For more than 15 years, the band comprised of; Zoran Van Bellegem (guitar), Jannick Govaert (drums), Guy Vercruysse (vocals), Jonas Messiaen (bass) & Ruben Van der Beken (guitar) have toed the line between razor-sharp aggression and melodic introspection. In the recent years, the quintet has been ‘rebranding’ their sound into a lethal cocktail of death and thrash metal, with some metalcore, that endorses both efficiently located melody and a new-found dimension of aggression.

Signs of the End is fourth full-length consisting of following eight hymns:

01. 01. The Messenger
02. Acta Non Verba
03. Dark Times
04. We Enslave Angels
05. Fall From Grace
06. When I Became You
07. Chaos vs. Chaos
08. Signs of the End

This most recent record has been released on May 30th by the band itself. On Signs of the End we can hear their unique blend of melodic death metal and metalcore with an aggressive yet melodic sound, featuring crushing, commanding and foreceful riffs, raw melodies (includes some haunting and melancholic melodies that add further depth to their sound), powerful drumming with some syncopated patterns, excellent vocals (fitting the sound well), and an overall very skilled musicianship. Lyrically, the album delves into the turbulent lives of marginalized youth, addressing issues of abuse, neglect, and self-harm – drawing inspiration from Guy Vercruysse’s experiences as a social worker.

My favourite track from Signs of the End is actually a self-titled single, a closing track which is a crushing statement of purpos. It’s also the longest, and the most powerful and atmospheric, piece that encapsulates the album’s themes. Thus, “Signs of the End” channels the band’s most intense impulses into something both anthemic and urgent. Thematically, it strikes at the heart of ideological captivity, calling for a break from dogma and an end to terrorism in all its forms.

I would also like to highlight album’s dynamic pace, technical proficiency, and atmospheric darkness. Signs of the End is a technically very comprehensive, well-produced and professionally mixed/mastered record, and another strong showcase of the band’s evolution. Speaking of production; every instrument and every breath can be heard since the production is raw, yet a bit polished, while retaining its visceral edge without sounding overly processed or sterile. The only area for potential improvement is when it comes to variation, where I wish there was more of that.

Conclusion; Signs of the End is a strong and impactful album, with an outspoken militant and a haunting, raw and mechanical atmosphere. Recommended for fans of a melodic death metal and metalcore and bands like God Forbid, Mors Principium Est, Sacricide, In Element, The Black Dahlia Murder, Arsis, Nuclear Chaos, Royal Jake etc.

Signs of the End arrived on all platforms including their bandcamp where you can find more details on this particular record. Meanwhile, watch the video for “Signs of the End” below and brace for impact.