Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Ghost Inside, The - The Ghost Inside (2020)
The Ghost Inside was at the top of their game with their successful album Dear Youth and its supporting tour, but there comes a time when rising heroes fall. November 2015 was the month when the tour bus the band was riding in crashed into a tractor trailer in Texas. The drivers of both vehicles were killed, and the band members were severely injured and hospitalized. Drummer Andrew Tkaczyk ended up losing a leg, and that's awful, considering his talented drumming skills in this band and his former band For the Fallen Dreams. Luckily, just like Dep Leppard drummer Rick Allen, he can still have his drumming talent despite missing a limb. Fast forward to 2020, and these metalcore heroes have given us another masterpiece of 11 motivational anthems! And what better day to review it than on the 4th anniversary of the album's release, June 5?
Interestingly, right on that release date is another twist. Apparently, the band's African-American bus driver (before the crash that took his life) was called the N-word behind his back by bassist Jim Riley, overheard by Rashod Jackson of Bracewar waiting 5 years until the self-titled album's release date to call him out. Fearing that this allegation of racism could threaten the band's comeback, they fired Riley. He had since admitted it and apologized profusely, and the band, feeling regretful, re-hired him for their European tour once COVID restrictions lightened up. No matter the drama, the band still stand their ground in triumph as they explore more personal depths.
Jonathan Vigil screams his declaration of the band's return in the intro "1333" ("T.G.I.!!! From the ashes brought back to life!"). Then we blast right into the charging "Still Alive". That song and "The Outcast" have gang vocals shining alongside the drum grooves of Tkaczyk and the moshing leads and riffs of the guitar duo. "Pressure Point" hits hard as one of the strongest heavy compositions here.
"Overexposure" has more of the band's earlier fury, much better executed than in the first few albums. Keep that in mind before the more melodic brawl of "Make or Break". Then we have more sonic atmosphere in the ballad-ish "Unseen", a bit like the slower August Burns Red songs with some touches of post-black metal instrumentation.
"One Choice" has some mid-tempo metallic hardcore to make you raise your fist up high. "Phoenix Rise" is the most metaphorical standout here, perfect for both that near-fatal crash and the life, death, and rebirth of a phoenix. You can hear it well in the massive pre-chorus, "I'm more than my mistakes, what more can one man take and still survive? Face forward into the night." Those lyrics end up revisiting in a soft haunting bridge that then rises into another hopeful chorus, "Thrown into the fire, like the Phoenix reborn, I rise. The new dawn burns brighter, so face forward into the night." Then "Begin Again" has that anthemic writing again, thanks to producer Jeremy McKinnon (A Day to Remember) who also produced the band's previous two albums. "Aftermath" is a solid closing highlight. Some might be reminded of Stick to Your Guns at some points. The last minute and a half hit hard. I'm glad the band is still going strong, especially Tkaczyk and his impressive drumming skills.
Lots of stylistic variation help give the band more strength in their metalcore/hardcore and prove their resilience after a disastrous setback. It's clear that the band will continue fighting the war within, and it's a war they're winning in true victory!
Favorites: "The Outcast", "Pressure Point", "Unseen", "Phoenix Rise", "Begin Again", "Aftermath"