Review: “Knowing The Ending” by Mesker

Based on a writing partnership with vocals and lyrics from Ross Lilley and music from multi-instrumentalist Michael Holden, Mesker self describe themselves simply as a Melodic Hardcore band from Oxford relying on emotional weight for heaviness over breakdowns. They first appeared on the scene in March 2022 with debut single “Life Left“, following it a couple of months later with the small yet perfectly formed EP “Casual Freedoms“. Those five cuts established their sonic footing in a sound that has elements of Hardcore Punk and Post-Hardcore in it, alongside a gut punch of introspection in the lyrics. Three years on they return with a first full length in “Knowing The Ending“, eight fresh pieces for us to examine with a microscope before we tell you what we think about them…

They may call themselves melodic but there are plenty of sharp objects in opening cut “Not Myself” which has the distinctive air of From Autumn To Ashes and early Counterparts about it. A cathartic vent that confirms its alright to not feel alright, to muses on the mental strain of being pulled between love and hate in an unforgiving world before the title track bursts forth like a blister. Sonically balancing the melodic and the heavy on a knife edge “Knowing the Ending” is everything you could want and the kitchen sink from Melodic Hardcore. Rich melodies, fleeting leads, flirting blast beats and a crushing breakdown all wrapped around a harrowing lyrical narrative about left loathing. There is nothing Nu-Metal about this, no woe is me element to be found but instead the grit and integrity that will resonate with anyone who has suffered from depression and lived to tell the tale. Musing on a futile existence with a headful of broken promises and a heart full of dead dreams “No Drive, No Worries” has an aching beauty to it despite the chaos of the soundscape. Then comes the bite of reality in “Compelled to End“, a brutally honest depiction of the struggle to survive despite the call of the void when you have family to live for. A lush solo is head within the heart of this one, the emotional weight of the track a heavy burden on the head that wears the crown.

Embracing the fact that it can always be worse while being oblivious to ones surroundings, trapped in your own personal hell, “Ways of Coping” serves as an scene setting piece for “When the Fabric Frays“, the pair forever intertwined like conjoined twins. A melancholia in the guitars reflects the lyrical narrative as the cathartic screams continue, dissonance and vibrance helping shape a sound that is the warmth of a hot cup of coffee from a hot coffee cup in spite of the pain. The beauty of this is that the music marries up exceptionally well with the lyrics, providing balance and light in the darkness. That’s something that shouldn’t be lost with the tide of the emotive lyrics and accompanying vocal performances because there is so much more within the confines of this record. Over multiple listens nuances from the six string guitars rise to the surface, as if refusing to be drowned out but the truth is that there is not one without the other and that’s what makes it work so well. Pushing on the extremes with the guitar sound, the melodies are matched by some abrasive rhythms in “Human Nature“, earworm moments that will come back to haunt you exposed. Once more around the sun “It Took Everything” burns like wire, the cold realisation that we’re slaves to the wage of giant corporations who couldn’t give two s**** about us sinking in. Few get to live a life less ordinary and for most of those, its not what it seems to be from the outside looking in. Depression has a habit of lingering, its destructive power is only known to those who have suffered it and survived to tell the tale. Listen to this then find someone you love and hold them tight [7/10]

Track Listing

1. Not Myself
2. Knowing the Ending
3. No Drive, No Worries
4. Compelled to End
5. Ways of Coping
6. When the Fabric Frays
7. Human Nature
8. It Took Everything

“Knowing The Ending” by Mesker is out 12th March 2025 and is available over at bandcamp.