As ‘Kitty Sucker’ starts with it’s fuzzy guitar line, Frank Carter declares that he’s a ‘Punk Rock Renegade’, something the British music media has known since he rose to prominence with Gallows. From the snotty, bloody face of British punk, to a one man juggernaut, Frank Carter is starting to fulfil his potential to be the voice of a generation. ‘End Of Suffering’ is a record that is a natural evolution for a man of such talents, combining everything from his past bands and bringing it into the current time.
‘Why A Butterfly Can’t Love A Spider’ opens the record with a juddering riff akin to Royal Blood, with Carter lamenting about past relationships in an almost whispered tone before the Rattlesnakes take centre stage with a hulking mid section of instrumental. It’s an opener that really sets the tone for the album, and mixes a lot of what is to come. ‘Tyrant Lizard King’ is the only song that has a featured artist, but when that artist is the legendary Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine with a scintillating solo towards the end of the track, there’s no need to bring anyone else in. The first new influence of the record can be found here too, with Carter slinking his way around his words with a high level of sexual energy.
Lead single ‘Crowbar’ has already become a live favourite, with its high energy Arctic Monkeys-like sound and explosive chorus. At just over two minutes, it doesn’t outstay its welcome and fits the idea of a lead single, being most similar to previous releases – but turned up to 11. Dean Richardson shines throughout with his fuzzy riffs and imaginative solos, really showing off the level of craftsmanship when writing these tracks. The second single to be released, ‘Anxiety’ struck a chord with Carter’s fan base. It’s possibly the most personal and honest song ever released by Carter, who has become a spokesperson for Safe Gigs For Women and who encourages his male fans to embrace their emotions. ‘Anxiety’ is also one of the most important songs he has ever put his name to. A rallying call to the maligned and struggling, it’s sure to be the lighters-in-the-air hit of the summer.
‘Love Games’ and latest single ‘Kitty Sucker’ show Carter at his most sexual, whilst showing off the Royal Blood and Queens of the Stone Age influences once again. Throughout the record, fuzzed up guitars are at the forefront, with Richardson showing off his fret work and demonstrating why he should be regarded as a guitarist at the top of his game. The title track closes the record; a five minute piano led epic, it’s a complete left turn right at the end. It fits so well, showing why Frank Carter is one of the bravest front men in the world – a man who isn’t afraid to ignore the status quo, even using a recording of himself and his daughter to close the song, which even the most cold-hearted will raise at least a slight smile at.
‘End Of Suffering’ is a record written by a man who has been a shining light in the British rock scene for nearly 15 years. A man who was at the forefront of one of the biggest record deals for rock bands in the noughties, who left his boyhood friends and brother to strike out on his own, restarting all over again and proving that he is indeed a juggernaut. Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes have already sold out Brixton Academy for their legendary ‘23’ show. With stadium support slots under the Foo Fighters in their recent past, they’re gearing up to play third up on the main stage at Reading & Leeds this summer, the biggest set Frank Carter has ever played. ‘End Of Suffering’ is the record that will push The Rattlesnakes to new levels, and prove why they deserve to be there. ‘23’ may become ‘35’, and no one should bet against it taking place at arena levels. Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes are here to take no prisoners and be a shining light for British Rock.
ADAM ROSARIO