Album Review: Ghostkid – Hollywood Suicide

🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE
Track 2: S3X
Track 3: FSU
Track 4: HEAVY RAIN
Track 5: VALERIE
Track 6: BLACK CLOUD
Track 7: UGLY
Track 8: BLØØD
Track 9: MURDER
Track 10: DAHLIA

🎸 Album Review:
Ghostkid’s debut album ‘Hollywood Suicide’ is a raw and intense exploration of dark themes set to a backdrop of heavy, genre-blurring music. Released in 2020, this album showcases the solo project of Sebastian “Sushi” Biesler, known for his work as the former vocalist of Eskimo Callboy. With a tracklist that reads like a descent into the depths of despair, ‘Hollywood Suicide’ delves into themes of mental health struggles, self-destructive behaviors, and the darker side of fame.

From the opening title track “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE,” Ghostkid sets the tone for the album with aggressive guitars, pounding drums, and Biesler’s guttural screams. The industrial metal influences are clear from the start, creating a sense of urgency and chaos that persists throughout the record. Tracks like “S3X” and “FSU” continue this sonic assault, with relentless energy and distorted vocals adding to the overall sense of unease.

Standout tracks on the album include “HEAVY RAIN,” a haunting ballad that showcases Biesler’s emotive clean vocals against a backdrop of melancholic piano and atmospheric synths. The juxtaposition of vulnerability and aggression in this track is particularly striking, highlighting the complexity of emotions explored on ‘Hollywood Suicide.’ “VALERIE” is another highlight, with its infectious chorus and infectious energy that is both catchy and cathartic.

One of the most powerful moments on the album comes with “MURDER,” a track that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. The relentless intensity of the music mirrors the lyrical content, creating a sense of unease that is hard to shake. Biesler’s vocal delivery is particularly powerful on this track, conveying a sense of desperation and anguish that is palpable.

In comparison to Ghostkid’s previous work with Eskimo Callboy, ‘Hollywood Suicide’ represents a departure from the more playful and party-oriented sound of his former band. While Eskimo Callboy was known for their catchy hooks and electronic elements, Ghostkid’s solo project delves into much darker territory both musically and thematically. The shift in focus allows Biesler to explore more personal and introspective themes, creating a sense of authenticity and vulnerability that is both refreshing and impactful.

Overall, ‘Hollywood Suicide’ is a bold and uncompromising debut album that showcases Ghostkid’s talent as a musician and a storyteller. The album’s sound is heavy and aggressive, with moments of beauty and vulnerability interspersed throughout. Biesler’s vocal performance is particularly noteworthy, showcasing a range that spans from guttural screams to haunting cleans.

As a whole, ‘Hollywood Suicide’ is a powerful statement from Ghostkid, with its unflinching exploration of dark themes and its relentless sonic assault leaving a lasting impression on the listener. This album is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to dive into its depths, ‘Hollywood Suicide’ offers a cathartic and immersive listening experience that is both haunting and unforgettable.