I’ve had this EP sitting on my list for weeks. I honestly don’t know what the hesitation to check it out has been other than I really just haven’t been in a mood for metal and, based on just the name of the album and the cover of the album, I had a feeling that’s what I would get from this release. Although I’m still sure that metal is what I’m in the mood for today, I’m feeling adventurous so I hit play and let the familiar heaviness of some good old fashioned metal take over my house and my heart.
“Until The End” kicks off this quick three song EP with a very eerie vibe. The creepiness instantly took over my house before slamming drums and a wailing guitar came in. Melodic and dark, this album definitely didn’t start off as heavy and fast as I thought it would but it was definitely heavy. The vocals on this opening track go from sounding like Volbeat to something much more dark and sinister in a heartbeat which sets this British band apart from other heavy melodic groups. The undeniable emotion that comes through during this five and a half minute long song. My attention has been short lately due to the unrest that quarantine life has given me but I found myself completely captivated throughout this lengthy song and almost didn’t notice as the EP moved onto “A Darker Place”.
“A Darker Place” starts with a beautiful string part before the guitars come in and take over with the signature slamming drums of Chasing Ghosts. This track brings a feeling of fight between the vocals. From Nelson Cancini’s lower than low vocals to the beautiful female vocalist, there seems to be a perfect tug and pull that the instrumentation only amplifies. This song, and the one before it, plays like a gothic-metal opera in the most perfect way. Multiple swells both musicially and when it comes to the energy conveyed in the music, keep the song going while giving it breaks where needed and where intended. There’s no denying passion throughout this quick three song EP and this song is no exception. Although I’m not typically one for this melodic, atmospheric, gothic rock, the way that Chasing Ghosts pulls it off is next to perfection.
As “A Darker Place” faded out, the title track “Bring Me Suffering” came in and took over. The beginning of this track is just as dramatic as the first two but it starts off with a little more power and has an almost anthemic sound to it. I could hear this song opening for an arena show perfectly. It has a sense of drama and that gothic rock-opera that I got from “A Darker Place” but seems to take it to the next step. Even though this song is seven minutes long, when it was said and done, I couldn’t help but go back and listen again as to not miss a single element of this powerful track.
This three song EP may be short but it absolutely packs a punch and has me sold on Chasing Ghosts. It covers so many different feelings and vibes while always staying completely dark, heavy, and quite frankly, genius. Even if you aren’t a metal kid, there’s something in this EP for you and it will have you falling in love with this innovative band. I expect big things from Chasing Ghosts in the near future and wouldn’t be shocked to see them listed as opening up for much bigger acts on a world tour when touring becomes a thing again.
My Favorite Track(s): “A Darker Place”
For Fans Of: Melodic Metal; Gothic Rock Operas
Mosh-ability: 2.1 out of 10
What My Cats Thought Of It: Artie laid in front of the speaker– he doesn’t like metal music so he probably was trying to muffle the sound; Autumn slept right under my feet
How Badly I Want To See This Performed Live: 7.1 out of 10
My Overall Rating: 7.9 out of 10
Check Out Chasing Ghosts Here:
Check Out ‘Bring Me Suffering’ Here!
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