Speaking of which, "These Iron Bones" evokes Iron Maiden nicely, and would not sound out of place on its most recent albums. Three even throw in nods to The Beatles and the Blues Brothers - it's easy to imagine George Harrison smiling as he kicks back with Krishna and listens to "Shadowplay", or Jake and Elwood discovering their first Led Zepplin or AC/DC albums with "Diamond in the Crush."

The Song Does Not Remain the Same

There are two things set Three apart from its competitors here. First, the band never feels like it is imitating. Even when their influences are obvious, Eppard and company create a sound all their own. It's difficult to describe what makes certain bands unique, but for Three a big part of it is infusing each song with a darkness and melancholy that ties together an otherwise eclectic collection. "The End is Begun" is not actually a concept album about the apocalypse, but it feels like it is.

The second is how focused the songwriting is. Most progressive rock bands are notorious for long, sprawling pieces that wander off point. Instead, Three manages to create lush soundscapes within short, tightly written songs. The tracks may build on one another or delve into intricate layers of composition, but they never overstay her welcome. Of the thirteen songs on the album, only one runs over five minutes.

That track is the final one, "The Last Day of the World." Even here, the sprawl feels focused, as Three dials down the metal bombast in favor of haunting atmospheric melodies, Pink Floyd-ian guitars, and a steady, heartbeat like drum line. The track requires more patience to appreciate than its predecessors, but those who stick with it are rewarded as the track builds towards a subtle climax.

Finally the heartbeat stops. The stars fade out with a slight twinkle, and the world ends not with a bang, but a whisper. Somehow, it doesn't seem like such a bad way to go.

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