REVIEW: "An Ending in Itself' - Sleeping with Sirens

Photo credit: Travis Shinn

Sleeping with Sirens is back and heavier than ever on "An Ending in Itself", out June 12. Songs like "Paralyzed" and "God in My Head" bring that cathartic pull that heavier music gives. 

It's been four years since the release of their last album, "Complete Collapse". "An Ending" continues the confessional lyrics from that album in "Looking Back At Me", "Storm Clouds", "PTSD", and "Process". The album starts off with single "An Ending in Itself".

"An Ending in Itself" musically goes back to the "Ears to See and Eyes to Hear" era... but tighter. They've clearly progressed as musicians and it shows. The screams and breakdowns are back too. They're really in command of all their instruments and it's a joy to listen to. The lyrics aim to inspire and there's a well-done vocal run in the beginning. The lyrics that shine the most are found in the chorus: But can we stop pretending that it's all so good?/Can we say what's real?/Say how you feel, yeah, I wish you would/'Cause there's a happy ending/but it'll change with time

But for now it's fine. 

We live in a culture of "fineness" and it can be grating. It's admirable that Sleeping with Sirens want something real. It's also admirable to admit our dreams change with time, but there is always hope for a happy ending. They also have a great lyric in the opening reminding us "[not to]give up/don't let it bury you" when hard times hit.

"Forever/Always", track two, and one of the singles released, has a more somber tone. The vocals are more subdued and the guitars have a sad tune to them. Then the drums come crashing in and punch up the song. It's about desperately needing a person that you've been in a relationship with. The opening is exceptionally strong musically as it sets a strong tone for the lyrics. Some of my favorite lyrics are: You said that you'd never let me go 'cause I need here, I need you so...you've always been right here with me all along.

The screams toward the end are powerful and there's wonderful vocalizing.

"God in My Head", track three, takes an interesting topic and turns it into a heavy song. Turns out Quinn talks to the "God" in his head but doesn't elaborate on what that means. 

 He also puts forth an interesting question: "Would you still love me when I'm not my best?"

It's not answered in the song and the lyrics are appropriately angsty. There's also a delicious guitar solo in this one. It's one of my favorites on the album. 

"Need You Here", track four, reminds me of "Fast Lane" by SCATTERBRAIN since they have the same lyrical subject: thanking and leaning on their loved ones when theyre going through a hard time.

The lyrics go: All I know is that I need you here/don't let me go/don't let me disappear/let me show you the way you love me/it's beautiful

The guitars are truly exceptional on this song, especially the flourish toward the end. The drums punctuate the lyrics so well too and it's a great listen.

"Left on Repeat", track five, will undoubtedly get stuck in your head with it's na-na-nas at the beginning and end. It's about feeling trapped in a toxic situation. The lyrics that stand out: But I'm stuck in the same old cycle left on repeat/it goes on and on.

It does say that the Quinn doesn't want to stay in that cycle with the lyric: I won't stay stuck/'Cause I know I'm not the only one struggling with these insecurities.

There's a well-done guitar solo as well. 

"House Of Matches", track six, veers very close to pop punk drumming then drops the heavy as it goes on, a la Four Year Strong or A Day to Remember. The lyrics that stand out are: Sew up the wounds when they cut you open. Wash it all away, save it for another day. It has some dark elements in the beginning, leaving the meaning for the listener to decide.

"Waiting For You", track seven, comes in with a soaring intro. Quinn's voice caresses the opening notes and the bass from Justin Hills is a well-done undercurrent. Matty Best, Sleeping with Sirens' drummer, knows how to pace his drums depending on the section of song. 

"Paralyzed", track eight and the third single, brings the heavy right from the intro. It segues into harsh vocals and equally anguished lyrics: I feel the pain like a thorn in my side...take off the mask and you see the disguise. 

This song is about feeling the pressure and not letting it break you. This is another fast-paced song and it was a good pick as a single. This would be a fun one to see live. 

"Process", track nine, starts off with strong drums and well-done vocalizing from Quinn. It's about making your way back from experiencing a trauma. Any medical professional or counselor will tell you it's a process. The lyrics that show this the most are: All I need's a little time to change these thoughts inside my mind/to rearrange/look through the lines and process...don't focus on yesterday. 

"PTSD", track 10, is fast paced and the vocals match. I especially like the whispered vocals. 

It feels like it ends as fast as it started, and, in fact, only clocks in at two minutes and 25 seconds. 

"Looking Back At Me", track 11, is a plea to the heavens that your loved one is looking down on you: Maybe tonight I will send out a prayer and hope that you're looking back at me. 

This one will really tug on your heartstrings. There are meandering guitars, thundering, heartbeat-style drums and screams near the end. Other stand out lyrics include: Pain comes like the rain/wash you clean/melt away.

This is another favorite. 

"Storm Clouds", track 12, has beautiful backing vocals and then the drums come crashing in. The song is about struggling with mental illness: There's a storm that's raging in my brain turning my eyes into a blur...I always feel like a runaway train/hands off the wheel, gonna watch it go down in flames/just another day of feeling hopeless. 

There is some hope to be found though. Quinn also sings about realizing he's not always the problem, that it's a long road and he's "learning to love [him]self despite all [his] missteps". There are impassioned screams on this one too.

"An Ending in Itself" was produced by Will Yip (Turnstile, Circa Survive, and Movements) and the sound is amazing. You don't have to turn it up high to hear and his production accentuates every member of the band.  Sleeping with Sirens has also started touring in support of "An Ending in Itself". They started started today, June 11, at The Ritz in Raleigh, North Carolina. They have dates scattered through July, September, October, and November. You can find Sleeping with Sirens on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, their fan club, and YouTube.