Californian hardcore pioneers The
Ghost Inside have really pushed the boundaries of their sound with the release
of their third record, ‘Get What You Give’, which offers an entirely different
dynamic to what was heard on debut album ‘Fury & The Fallen Ones’ and the
follow up ‘Returners’. While some die-hard fans may think the band are
adjusting too much, veterans of the hardcore genre will know that progressing
with what makes a band work is great way
to keep them relevant, thought-provoking and engrossing. In truth, the changes
from the last release aren’t as drastic as perhaps would be thought after some
real backlash from certain turgid corners of the web. ‘Get What You Give’ is
the most complete album from The Ghost Inside to date, and it feels every bit
as bone-crushing as all previous works from the band while adding additional
melody, groove and clean vocals (a first for them) to the proceedings.
The album begins on a
blisteringly heavy note (would anything else be expected?) with ‘This Is What I
Know About Sacrifice’, which has blazing riffs, passionate screamed vocals that
really appear to come from the heart and enormous beatdowns that threaten to
take your head off. It’s a great introduction to ‘Get What You Give’ and the
next track ‘Outlive’ is just as brutal. It’s a short, snappy hardcore track
where the guitars and vocals battle for the title of ‘Most Furious’. There are
machine-gun beats and the familiar sub-drops (which are used regularly on this
record but they never feel overdone).
‘Engine 45’, the first single
from the record, starts in manic style with dirty chugs and spat vocals which
tear through into a soaring chorus which introduces the first taste of clean
vocals (albeit behind a shouted lead line) and the addition is superb at
bringing out an extra layer of melody amongst the heaviness. The cleans are
competent and well sung (all done by frontman Jonathan Vigil which shows he has
great adaptability) giving the track a ‘sing-along’ quality and a ‘catchy’
streak. More fury takes over before a softly sung quiet break that builds into
an uplifting outro, where vocal layers and gang shouts make ‘Engine 45’ up
there with the best of The Ghost Inside. ‘Slipping Away’ is high gear,
aggressive punk (a track that wouldn’t be out of place on ‘Fury & The
Fallen Ones’) with an injection of melody and fist pumping heaviness. The
breakdowns are evidently technically efficient but they really make hairs stand
on end with just how heavy they are, and the continued drops are mosh-worthy,
summoning excitement in droves.
‘The Great Unknown’ continues the
assault with searing riffs and perfect belligerence. There are more drops, deafening
drums and enough variation to make it feel fresh, new and exciting. The pace
slows for the final minute or so, allowing a measured heavy groove to take over
along with drawn out bestial screams. ‘Dark Horse’ is a chunk of credible
hardcore and includes another clean part on the chorus, showing that the band
really are adapting in a way that works. Chants and shouts are enthusiastic
enough to convince the listener to join in and the insane heaviness of this
song shows that The Ghost Inside are at the top of their game. The last towering
chorus prepares for what comes next, which is ‘White Light’, one of the true
album highlights and perhaps the most consummate piece of music the band have
produced to date. Gently picked guitar and a dancing drum beat builds into a distorted
chord pattern which is loaded with melody and shows a more reserved and
thoughtful side to the band. The chorus summons passion and hope, with lines
such as ‘I used to be the fearless one’ and although very different in terms of
style for TGI, it feels 100% like it belongs to them. The beautiful melodies
are achieved without the use of the already heard clean vocals as it’s the
guitars doing all of the work in that department.
‘Thirty Three’ kicks in with
thrashing instrumentals and smooth transitions between heavy riffs and even
heavier breakdowns. The additional melodies continue to show the band’s
progression and dynamic track ‘Face Value’ puts across the point even more so.
It’s mature hardcore with great attention to detail, polishing the edges of the
record and allowing it to drift into ‘instant classic’ territory. Guest vocals
from Comeback Kid’s Andrew Neufeld adds extra venom over another incredible
breakdown, which is a great way to end the song.
‘Deceiver’ is hard-hitting and
relentless, making it one of the heaviest tracks on ‘Get What You Give’, making
it evident that the balance on this record is probably what makes it so
appealing (in comparison to ‘White Light’, this track is completely different).
The beatdowns continue to impress and really provide a figurative kick to the
teeth. Final song ‘Test The Limits’ is enraged, pushing the punk edge to the
forefront and reminding us what makes this band one of the best in the
business.
The Ghost Inside really are ‘heroes
of hardcore’ and ‘Get What You Give’ is their most well-rounded record to date.
It combines classic elements of their sound with a brand new melodic vein, and
it really makes the album one of the most thoroughly enjoyable releases of 2012
so far.
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