THE GHOST INSIDE

The Ghost Inside EPITAPH

LA metalcore mavens keep their strength in adversity

By now you’ll doubtless be aware of the story of The Ghost Inside; the band’s near-fatal bus crash and subsequent rehabilitation is an inspiring triumph over adversity. But the band themselves undoubtedly would want their first material since 2014’s Dear Youth to be judged purely on its own merits, and, luckily, that’s easy enough as The Ghost Inside has all the rhythmic bounce, hardcore savagery and power through positivity that band made their name from. As good as it would be through ears unaffected by the record’s context, hearing the band gang chant ‘Still alive!’ on the opening track of the same name will definitely send chills down the spine of long-time fans. This phoenix from the flames continues to rise. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Counterparts, Terror, Stick To Your Guns STEPHEN HILL