MISSION TO SLEEP DELIVER A HEAVY-HITTING ROCK STATEMENT WITH A SPARK OR THE END
Boston’s own Mission To Sleep come out swinging on their new EP, A Spark or The End, and they don’t waste a single second. This record hits like a gut punch — loaded with crushing riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals that cut straight through the noise. It’s heavy. It’s emotional. And it’s relentless in the best way possible. Mission To Sleep isn’t just making music — they’re throwing down a statement. And if this EP is any indication, they’re just getting started. Now, let’s tear into each track and see exactly how they pulled it off:
"No Anchor" wastes no time kicking the album into high gear. Rapturous beats and roaring guitars come crashing in from the first second, setting the tone for what’s clearly going to be a ripper of a record. The chorus is insanely catchy — almost dangerously so (if that’s even possible) — and the drums are firing on all cylinders, propelling the track forward with relentless energy. The lyric "search mission is over" pounds through the mix, driving the point home with each repeat. We featured this track on GSM a few weeks ago, and for good reason — it absolutely rips. We can’t wait to see this one tear the roof off live.
"Designer Graves" comes crashing in with soaring, high-note guitar work that sounds massive. This track leans darker than the opener, weaving in shades of Trivium and Periphery — and trust us, that's only a good thing. The structure is airtight, keeping things heavy and intense while still leaving room for big, shout-along moments, much like the first track. As the song barrels toward the finish, the energy hits a fever pitch, practically daring you to lose your mind in front of the stage. And that final chorus? It's straight-up huge. Easily one of the standouts — we’re massive fans of this one.
"Carousel Teeth" (feat. Sarah Jeanne of Aversed) keeps the momentum surging as the third track on A Spark or The End. Massive guitar riffs come roaring back for another round of ear-shattering goodness — and we’re here for every second of it. The drums hit even harder on this one, giving the track a deep, resonant punch. Sarah Jeanne’s vocals layered over Rob Wu's create a killer mix of softness and raw energy, striking a perfect emotional balance. And when Jeanne unleashes her screams during the bridge? Absolute chills. They rival Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox — yeah, we said it. And we meant it.
"Fall Into Bloom" taps the brakes slightly, opening with a haunting keyboard melody that sets a more reflective tone. As the track builds, Wu’s vocals pour in, adding just the right dose of sonic prowess to the growing intensity. A killer guitar riff weaves in and out, making the song even more memorable and dynamic. There's a clear blend of nu-metal grit and grunge atmosphere here, giving it a unique, nostalgic edge. It feels like something Split Chain might deliver — but with a fresh twist that's all its own.
"This Massacre" wears its Tool inspiration proudly from the first note, but as the track evolves, it seamlessly morphs into something that feels straight out of A Perfect Circle’s playbook. Needless to say, Maynard James Keenan’s vocal influence is all over this one — and it's a damn good thing. The production here is massive, easily outpacing the earlier tracks and giving the song a towering, cinematic feel. Honestly, it sounds like it was made for that iconic slow-motion moment when the hero walks away from an explosion without looking back. Total power move energy.
"Like Heaven" (feat. Christopher Preece of Vanna) lands as the sixth track on the album, and it’s another straight-up ripper. The chorus is ridiculously catchy, practically daring you not to sing along. Chugging guitars power through the track, and every time they kick in, it’s pure gold. Around the 2:09 mark, Preece’s vocals crash into the mix, and holy hell, they cut straight to the core. His delivery is so forceful and brilliantly executed, it’s no wonder he jumped on board for this collab. This track doesn’t just hit — it shreds.
"Bury The Ghost" closes out the EP, and it’s the perfect final chapter for a record that deserves to hit a lot of ears. For this track, Wu and company strip things back, opting for just a lone guitar and Wu’s signature vocals to set an introspective tone. The lyric "How does it feel to disappear into the hall of fame of great obscurity" hits hard, practically forcing you to sit with it and contemplate life. The track eventually picks up, ripping through a few intense bars before easing back into its slow, haunting movement — and it works beautifully. Clocking in at nearly five minutes, it’s the longest song on the EP, and it uses every second to its advantage. The bridge is a standout moment, pulling all the instruments together for one final surge before slowing down again... only to crash back in for a massive final chorus. Honestly, we didn’t want it to end.
A Spark or The End isn’t just a collection of heavy tracks — it’s a full-blown emotional and sonic experience. Mission To Sleep shows an incredible range throughout the EP, seamlessly shifting from crushing riffs and massive choruses to moments of raw vulnerability and introspection. Every song brings something new to the table while keeping the momentum surging forward. From the explosive opening of "No Anchor" to the haunting close of "Bury The Ghost," this record grips you and doesn’t let go. If this is just the beginning, we can’t wait to see what comes next, because A Spark or The End feels like the start of something huge.