Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Ghost Inside, The - Returners (2010)

There's what sounded like a rough start for The Ghost Inside with Fury and the Fallen Ones. Their debut is fine but mostly mediocre, with only 3 highlights and two stinkers. If you were in my shoes, you would probably be hoping for a brighter side of things in their next album Returners, and there is! Though not in about a third of the album that ends up as draggy as the debut. It's only in the other tracks when the band starts proving themselves worthy in the metalcore/hardcore realms.

For first-time listeners, it may take a while for the album to build up to your liking. And I like Returners. However, the positioning of tracks could've been improved, if not the tracks themselves. And you'll know what I mean once you get into the action...

"Walk Away From the World" is a short melodic intro. Then the actual first song "Greater Distance" unleashes the aggression. It's all good until the generic breakdown midway through. Although I like breakdowns as much as the next metalcore fan, there's not much different variation, and it ends up breaking the momentum. As for "Between the Lines", I love the brilliant lyrics that make it the album's first highlight. "Where have the words gone?!" Then "Unspoken" has well-done gang vocals.

"Overlooked" is an overlooked track for a good reason, because of how f***ing forgettable it is. A lot of what they should've had in that song is in the next one "Chrono". I enjoy that one, along with "The Conflict". The latter is especially an anthemic highlight. "Downbeat" almost lives up to its title with its melancholic vibe, but it gets balanced out by the uplifting lyrics. That's actually a signature aspect for The Ghost Inside, specifically lead vocalist Jonathan Vigil. His positive writing can shine in the hardcore sound while being serious rather than humorous. If you're feeling down, that spectacular highlight can get you back up.

The one-minute title track is a short attack of p*ssed heaviness and speed, though it would've been better if it was longer. "Through the Cracks" continues that heavy path. The closing "Truth and Temper" starts a bit mediocre, but the lameness gets decimated as it gradually builds up to another perfect song. The riffing is so beautiful, as is the synth-infused ending. However, after over a minute of silence, there's a strange unnecessary sludgy hidden track that once again lowered the album's quality slightly.

So the issues from the band's debut are still around, only for a few songs. The rest of the album, mostly the second third, picks things up, and you end up not giving a d*mn about those few weak tracks. I recommend Returners to metalcore fans more than their debut. You might find some solid tracks in this sophomore album to return to....

Favorites: "Between the Lines", "Chrono", "The Conflict", "Downbeat", "Truth and Temper" (excluding hidden track)