The new line up for the album features two new band members, Jamie Brown on bass guitar and Atma Anur on drums.

Japanese guitarist and video game musician Jun Senoue from Gioeli's other band, Crush 40, is listed as a special guest on the song "Before This," where he is credited for the guitar solo.

[2][3] During early development in 2004, Rudy Sarzo was slated to record bass, as suggested by Michael T. Ross, but was unable to contribute due to a busy schedule consisting of touring with Yngwie Malmsteen and Ronnie James Dio.

Leaving the End Open is the last of Hardline's albums produced by veteran studio man Bob Burch, as well as featuring keyboardist Michael T. Ross.

Eight known songs were to be included on the album, as revealed in 2006: "My Heart," "Hold On," a demo originally recorded by Hardline's predecessor, Brunette, "Hole in My Head," "Save Me," "Falling Rain," "Looking at the World," "I Surrender," and "What If."