Since forming late 2014, UK outfit Chasing Ghosts has increasingly impressed year by year, release by release. Their first year brought well-received single Everything Changes, attention upon the band swiftly nudged and further stoked last year through the Fearless EP. Now we have new single These Hollow Gods, another slice of the band’s fusion of rock and metal, and another step forward in their potent songwriting and compelling sound.
Formed by bassist/keyboardist Lee Brueton, the Chasing Ghosts line-up is completed by vocalist Nelson Cancini, lead guitarist Harry Mitten, and rhythm guitarist Ashley Clark. The Milton Keynes based band draw on the influences of bands such as Paradise Lost, Anathema, and Moonspell for their sound and the past year has been a big one for it and the band, culminating in their signing with Danish label Mighty Music for the release of their first album next year but before then this new single.
These Hollow Gods is about “our role models, idols and those that we ultimately view as gods in family, religion, music and celebrity. Those that we worship and devote our lives to, but then reveal themselves to be nothing more than false hope, disappointment and betrayal”. Straight away it entangles ears in a spidery groove; it’s tempting web soon joined by Cancini’s potent emotive tones and the restrained yet powerful touch of the rhythms. It is a slow saunter of a stroll which continues to entice and captivate ears but one with a volatility which, though it never quire ignites, is a constant threat and alluring shadow to the gothic melodies which almost seep through ears into the psyche.
The track simply grows note by note, going put on a blaze of intensity leaving a lingering appetite for more. If a sign of things to come, Chasing Ghosts’ upcoming album should feed that want and will be very much anticipated after These Hollow Gods.
These Hollow Gods is out now.
http://www.chasingghosts.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/Cghostsmusic https://twitter.com/chasingghosts_
Pete RingMaster
Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright
New praise gathering single Take The Last Dance With Me launches at ears with a zeal and energy again impossible not to be caught up in, riffs and rhythms colluding in tenacity as they lead to a chorus which simply demands participation. A song to ensure blossoming romances within any mosh pit it stomps and pumps its sinews like The Pirates meeting Misfits in many ways, but as all stands as something uniquely Grumpynators while preying on the weakness for heart bred rock ‘n’ roll.
riveting invention. There is toxicity to the grooves which, not only in this song, has a Pantera-esque quality but also a waspish nagging character which increases an already keen appetite for song and album. Its sizzling hostility is matched by that of The Lie which steps in next. It is a song unafraid to develop a contentment to stalk as well as simply rage at the senses whilst coating its grooves and vocals with a southern fried metal edge as it stomps with virulent endeavour. The track’s bracing presence makes way for firstly the groove metal coated predation of Last Words Are Lost and then the volatile character of the album’s title track. The first of the two without stepping from the shadow of the previous songs, lurches with nostrils flared and sinews stretched, offering a mix of Bloodsimple and Exodus in its own unique form. Its successor picks up a recognisable old school hook and lays it openly down before its expressive sonic narrative, the bait soon embroiled in a steady but dirty rage of voice and sound. It is equally prone to exploding with uncaged viciousness and intensity, planting another notable signpost in the new direction of the band’s sound.
designs. Less aggressive than its predecessor in some ways and more intimidating in others, the track explores a melody rich but imposing scenery of invention and enterprise before making way for the outstanding Black rebel noise. A spicy groove wraps ears early on before the track finds a swagger to its punchy incitement. There is a definite Volbeat feel to the energy of the song whilst musically and vocally it is hard to look past Metallica and John Bush era Anthrax as references but the track soon develops its own contagious suasion to enslave body and passions.
song explores with eagerness. Once into a purposeful stride with flailing sonic flumes wrapping notes and ears as the gruff tones of Paul eagerly travels the road of the song; it is a magnetic anthem awakening attention and appetite for the impending adventure, which the following engagement of The Price Of Love takes into another gear. Again there is nothing flash about the song, just straight forward and accomplished rock ‘n’ roll cored by infectious short grooves and an excellent rhythmic tempting. The bass also adds to the irrepressible bait of the song, its dark throaty tones a prowling shadow to the punkish twist of the song and the fluid addictive call of the band vocals across the chorus. The song easily confirms, alongside its predecessor, the strength and potency of Scream Arena’s sound and the strength of the album though levels do ebb and flow throughout its remainder.