Released on July 27, 2004, Until the End is Kittie’s third studio album—and it’s the record that redefined the band’s identity. After breaking into the metal scene as angry teenagers with Spit and evolving through the darker, more chaotic Oracle, Until the End saw Kittie find a sharper focus. Still heavy, still snarling—but now more melodic, more controlled, and more personal.
This wasn’t just a continuation of their past sound—it was a statement of growth. On Until the End, Kittie delivered punishing riffs, hook-laced choruses, and raw emotion in equal measure. It was a turning point that separated them from their nu-metal labelmates and revealed a deeper, more enduring artistic vision.
At a time when the metal landscape was overrun with trends and overproduction, Until the End cut through the noise. With a tighter lineup and a clearer direction, Kittie embraced elements of death metal, groove metal, and even punk while maintaining their signature ferocity.
Fangs and Fury: Sharpened Sound, Evolved Emotion
“Look So Pretty” kicks the album off with a bang—a scathing anthem laced with venom and sarcasm. The riff is jagged and infectious, while Morgan Lander’s vocal delivery flips between seductive calm and seething rage. It’s a declaration: this is Kittie 2.0—meaner, leaner, and more deliberate.
“Career Suicide” follows with unrelenting energy. Aggressive drumming from Mercedes Lander and a thick, chugging groove drive the track forward. The chorus is brutally catchy, and the guitar tone is drenched in grime. It’s a perfect blend of hardcore spirit and metal weight.
“Until the End” slows the pace but deepens the atmosphere. Brooding and melancholic, it trades screams for sorrow, with haunting vocals that cut just as deep. It’s not just a title track—it’s a centerpiece that shows how much Kittie had matured emotionally and musically.
“Red Flag” rips back into speed and spite. It’s short, sharp, and relentless—a punk-metal bullet that highlights the band’s tightness and energy. The production is raw in the best way, keeping the grit intact while showcasing each instrument with clarity.
Hooks, Harm, and Harmony: Complexity Beneath the Surface
“Pussy Sugar” is a standout—groovy, twisted, and dripping with attitude. It leans into Kittie’s flair for blending sass with savagery. The vocals bounce between sultry and snarling, and the riffs pulse like a war drum.
“In Dreams” brings a dose of surrealism and restraint. One of the album’s most melodic tracks, it shows the band’s range with layered guitars and haunting vocal harmonies. It’s a calm moment in a storm of violence—but no less intense.
“Burning Bridges” is cathartic and crushing, balancing melody and mayhem with masterful control. The chorus is huge, the verses tight and biting. It’s a prime example of the album’s strengths: personal lyrics, polished aggression, and unshakable hooks.
“Daughters Down” returns to darker territory. With its eerie intro and death-metal-inspired vocals, it feels like a descent into chaos—but one orchestrated with precision. The track showcases Kittie’s technical chops and willingness to experiment with heaviness.
“Into the Darkness” is perhaps the album’s most radio-ready track—but don’t mistake that for softness. The clean vocals are chilling, the chorus massive, and the emotional weight undeniable. It’s dark, anthemic, and undeniably powerful.
The closing track, “Pink Lemonade,” is a surprising left turn—quirky, noisy, and strangely catchy. It ends the album with a wink and a snarl, reminding listeners that Kittie has never played by the rules.
Built from Blood and Grit: Performance and Production
Morgan Lander’s vocals are the centerpiece—versatile, vicious, and deeply expressive. Her range spans guttural screams, haunting cleans, and venomous sneers. As a frontwoman, she commands every second of this album.
Tara McLeod’s guitar work adds a new level of depth and clarity to Kittie’s sound. Her leads are tasteful, her riffs crushing, and her tone razor-sharp. This album marked her first with the band—and her chemistry with Morgan is undeniable.
Mercedes Lander continues to be the band’s rhythmic backbone. Her drumming is hard-hitting and precise, bringing groove and grit to every track. She doesn’t overplay—she drives.
Jennifer Arroyo’s bass tone is thick and menacing. She locks in with Mercedes to create a rhythm section that feels like a battering ram—especially noticeable on songs like “Career Suicide” and “Daughters Down.”
Produced by Steve Thompson, the album walks a perfect line between polish and rawness. The sound is aggressive but never overproduced, giving space for the vocals and guitars to breathe while keeping the impact brutal.
Final Verdict: 9/10
Until the End is Kittie at their most focused and refined—a record that blends their roots in aggression with a newfound sense of melody and maturity. It doesn’t abandon the fury of Spit or Oracle—it sharpens it.
Two decades on, Until the End still stands as a turning point in Kittie’s career. It’s not just a great album—it’s proof that evolution and aggression can coexist. This is essential listening for anyone who doubted their staying power—or who just loves heavy music with a heart.
Standout-Tracks
Look So Pretty—scathing, sarcastic, and sonically addictive
Until the End—a haunting centerpiece with emotional gravity
Career Suicide—raw energy and crushing rhythm
Into the Darkness—anthemic, eerie, and unforgettable
Burning Bridges—hook-driven with unrelenting power
In Dreams—melodic and mesmerizing
Daughters Down—sinister and atmospheric
