No Happy Endings by Kingcrusher: A Deathcore Punch to the Gut
Alright, let me just say this upfront—No Happy Endings by Kingcrusher isn’t for everyone. If you’re into soft melodies or chill vibes, this album might feel like a kick in the teeth. But if you’re ready to dive headfirst into raw aggression and sonic chaos, then buckle up, because this 2019 deathcore beast from the US has some serious bite. Released under Not On Label, it’s unapologetically DIY, rough around the edges, but packed with emotion that’ll leave you reeling.
Let’s talk tracks, shall we? First off, there’s “JRE Eleven Six Nine.” Man, this one hits hard. It’s like being thrown into a mosh pit where every riff is screaming at you to wake up and pay attention. The breakdowns are nasty—in the best way possible—and I swear, the vocals sound like they’re tearing through your soul. What sticks with me about this track is how relentless it feels. There’s no mercy here, no pause button. Just pure, unfiltered fury. When I listen to it, I can’t help but think of those moments when life punches you in the gut, and all you can do is grit your teeth and keep moving. That’s “JRE Eleven Six Nine” in a nutshell.
Then there’s “So Controversial Yet So Brave.” This track caught me off guard—not gonna lie. At first, it felt like another brutal assault on my eardrums, but halfway through, something shifted. Maybe it was the way the lyrics cut through the noise, almost like a confession wrapped in distortion. Or maybe it was the way the drums seemed to echo this weird mix of anger and vulnerability. Whatever it was, it stuck. Like, I found myself replaying it over and over, trying to figure out why it hit so close to home. It’s chaotic, yeah, but also kinda… brave? Like, here’s a band not afraid to bare their scars, even if it makes people uncomfortable.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high, with tracks like “All the Kings Men” and “A Well Written Letter To…” adding layers of heaviness and storytelling. But honestly, what stands out most about No Happy Endings is its refusal to play it safe. Kingcrusher doesn’t care about fitting into a neat little box. They’re loud, messy, and real—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Here’s the thing though: after listening to this album, I couldn’t help but laugh. Like, who names an album No Happy Endings and expects people to walk away feeling good? But maybe that’s the point. Life doesn’t always have happy endings, and neither does this record. And yet, there’s something oddly comforting about that. It’s like Kingcrusher is saying, “Yeah, things suck sometimes. But hey, at least we’re in this together.”
So yeah, if you’re looking for music that’s polished and perfect, this ain’t it. But if you want something that feels alive—even if it’s screaming at the top of its lungs—give No Happy Endings a shot. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining.