There’s something remarkably satisfying about a well-executed hardcore album. When an upcoming band delivers a record chock full of fist-swinging, adrenaline pumping mosh songs, it feels as rewarding as the exact moment a long-blocked drain finally clears and ‘Power Through Terror’ is one such example. The third release from Boston’s Great American Ghost is an abrasive and antagonistic number that sets a high standard for all the other hardcore albums due in 2020. They’re not as well-known as the likes of Code Orange or Knocked Loose, but expect that to have changed by the time the year comes to a close.
Hailing from the more metallic end of ‘core, Great American Ghost are an utterly furious bunch of lads, but there’s a keen intelligence at work behind the bludgeoning. They know how to work a song and understand you can’t just shout over breakdowns if you want to stand out. The title track for instance is reminiscent of fellow upstarts Vein and early millennium metalcore, managing to be both catchy and off-kilter at the same time. The slowed-down finale is fiercely effective and when its followed by the rip-roaring ‘Rivers Of Blood,’ it’s difficult not to be swept along with it. The guitar work here is especially impressive and far more intricate than you may expect.
‘The Rat King’ and ‘Altar Of Snakes’ meanwhile are mosh fodder written by people who are equally at home in public debates and walls of death. The former has a chorus which at first seems like a concession to mainstream acceptance, but on the second listen reveals itself to be nowhere near as welcoming as it once appeared. The latter on the other hand is a bleak but invigorating morass of riffs, as subtle as a brick to the face and practically ordering you to destroy your own living room in the heat of the moment.
‘Socialised Animals’ though is the cut that’ll turn most heads. It’s an absolute belter of a hardcore song, complete with a thrashy guitar solo and chant along chorus. This one is going to be a call and response crowd favourite and if singer Ethan Harrison doesn’t disappear into the throng at least once while performing it, we’ll eat the keyboard used to type this review. With hot sauce.
Like all adrenaline rushes, ‘Power Through Terror’ finishes too soon but for a brief fix of raw chaos, this raises the bar. Special mention must also go to producer Will Putney, whose work behind the decks has them sounding fresh and vital. Think of the likes of Kublai Khan or elder statesmen such as Darkest Hour and you’ll get some idea of the fury coming from this exciting new band.
- ‘Power Through Terror’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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