ALBUM REVIEW: Ghost In The Ruin - "Return To Ash"
Ghost In The Ruins are putting the “Metal” back in Metalcore
by Jesse Smith
The genre (or subgenre, however you look at it) of Metalcore had taken on many different faces and sounds throughout the years. Every era hits a different audience but somehow gets lumped all together. One era that I think transcends most is what I call the “Thrash Metalcore” with bands like As I Lay Dying and Killswitch Engage being the tippy top tier bands in this category. The genre itself used to be looked down upon and for a hot minute was said to be “too easy” to play, they 100% were not talking about this style of metalcore. This aggressive fast paced style has some of the most talented musicians interested, but to be honest, good bands in this genre in 2022 are rare…. Thank god for Ghost In The Ruins from North Carolina.
Ghost In The Ruins just released a full length album titled “Return To Ash” which is fitting because this album is fire. I forgot to mention, this style of Metalcore highly and directly influenced the huge christian metalcore movement. This movement came and went, and the sound of this era almost fizzled out as bands tried to recreate that once over saturated style. In 2022 however, that nostalgic sound is slowly coming back and Ghost In The Ruins have really taken ahold of all aspects of that culture and really have started sprinting.
Starting the album is a song called “Colossus” which is the song that immediately prepares you for the rest of the album. Coming hot with strong riffs and a talented rhythm section, the bar is set high and only keeps getting better as you move through the album. Songs like “Monument” and “Breaking Point” really showcase the calculated yet sporadic drummer. “Breaking Point” also has a break section that is funky and perfectly out of place very reminiscent of August Burns Red. The constant incredible guitar work is not the only thing that is notable. Each song is lyrically insightful and puts a strong message being each song’s delivery. Songs like last track “Last Sunset Of The Year” does a great job of conceptually capturing the emotions behind letting go of a friend/relationship that is so taxing that it just isn’t worth the effort anymore. The tracks “The Hollowed” and “Resentment” have two perfect guest features that really adds a massive amount of value to the songs and the entire album.
If I had to give someone who has never listened to Ghost In The Ruins before a recommended track it would definitely be “The Hollowed” which was one of their singles. The song encompasses the best of the band from the fast brutal guitar riffs to the crushing vocal delivery that brings you back to the underground church show days. I’m personally so excited that this style of music isn’t a memory and that bands are still coming with intentions to face melt with a message. If you’re a fan of August Burns Red and As I Lay Dying, Ghost In The Ruins is one of the best local bands that are ready and eager to carry the torch that those bands have lit before them.