Spirit Adrift cements their place as modern traditional metal masters with their latest offering, “Ghost at the Gallows.” This 2022 release expands on the band’s foundation of classic influences, weaving in deeper emotional resonance and a touch of cinematic flair.
The album opens with a bang. The title track sets the bar high, with a hauntingly beautiful intro that explodes into a riff-laden anthem. Reviewer for Metal Injection highlights it as “one of Spirit Adrift’s greatest album openers,” praising the “unforgettable subtly layered chorus” and “clever guitar phrasing” [2]. This initial track is a clear signifier – “Ghost at the Gallows” is not just another collection of headbangers.
Spirit Adrift isn’t afraid to experiment within the boundaries of their genre. Tracks like “I Shall Return” and “Death Won’t Stop Me” channel an Osbourne-esque epic metal vibe, with soaring vocals and lyrics that grapple with themes of perseverance ([2]). The album isn’t all high-octane adrenaline though. Slower, doomier moments like “Survivor’s Guilt” showcase a newfound depth in their songwriting, exploring the emotional toll of loss.
One of the album’s biggest strengths is vocalist and guitarist Nathan Garrett’s growth. Several reviewers have noted his improved vocal delivery ([1, 4]). He seamlessly shifts between aggressive shouts and soulful cleans, adding another layer of dimension to the music. The rest of the band keeps pace, delivering tight performances that are both technically impressive and catchy.
“Ghost at the Gallows” isn’t without minor shortcomings. The title track sets such a high standard that some may find the latter half of the album doesn’t quite match its intensity ([4]). However, the overall quality remains consistently high, and the album’s closing track, despite being a bit less bombastic, still offers a satisfying conclusion.
Verdict: “Ghost at the Gallows” is a strong showing from Spirit Adrift. It balances classic metal influences with emotional depth and a touch of experimentation. Fans of traditional metal will find a lot to love here, and the band’s growth and willingness to explore new territory suggests even brighter things to come.
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