Metalcore band THE GHOST INSIDE will release its fifth studio album on June 5 via Epitaph Records. The self-titled disc arrives as the follow-up to the band's 2014 LP "Dear Youth", which debuted at No. 63 on the Billboard 200, and it will be the first release since THE GHOST INSIDE's tragic bus accident in 2015.
The road to recovery has been extensive, both mentally and physically, but all things considered, the members of THE GHOST INSIDE have shown a positive and inspiring attitude through the entire process of recovery. They will not stop fighting to do what they love and are excited to return.
Today, the band shares the first single off the forthcoming record "Aftermath". Bassist Jim Riley states: "We went into the writing process knowing full well that every song and every lyric would be influenced by what we've been through, but we tried our best for them to be relatable to everyone. With 'Aftermath', we let it be much more personal — this one is us telling our story. So when it was time to choose a first song to share with the world, it felt right for it to be 'Aftermath'. It allows anyone that listens into our world, but it also lets us put final punctuation on that chapter of our lives. 'Aftermath' is a total catharsis for us. We let it all out in the song so that it's not bottled up inside us anymore and we can heal and move on, since after all, the beat goes on."
Created with producer Will Putney (EVERY TIME I DIE, THE AMITY AFFLICTION, KNOCKED LOOSE) and longtime friend/collaborator Jeremy McKinnon of A DAY TO REMEMBER, "The Ghost Inside" is 11 songs of determination, deep resolve, reflection, and newfound hope.
The band had worked on material for their fifth album prior to the accident that claimed the lives of their driver, the lives of everyone in the other vehicle, and resulted in multiple injuries for all of the band members. Jonathan Vigil (vocals) suffered from a fractured back, ligament damage, and two broken ankles. Zach Johnson (guitar) has since had 13 surgeries for a femur injury. Andrew Tkaczyk (drums) ultimately lost his leg. The band collectively came to see the ordeal as a moment to put their inspirational lyrics to the test. Songs that were once more philosophical in origin had become autobiographical.
The accident will always be a defining moment for THE GHOST INSIDE, but never what defines them. The album taps into the raw emotional things they've been through, but the songs are not about reliving the worst day of their lives.
"This isn't about what happened to us," Riley insists. "We won't get lost in that one day. This is about our journey, our growth, and who we are."
"The Ghost Inside" track listing:
01. 1333
02. Still Alive
03. The Outcast
04. Pressure Point
05. Overexposure
06. Make Or Break
07. Unseen
08. One Choice
09. Phoenix Rise
10. Begin Again
11. Aftermath
In 2004, THE GHOST INSIDE formed in El Segundo, California, united by their shared passion for bands in the hardcore scene. The band has since released four studio albums: "Fury And The Fallen Ones" (2008), "Returners" (2010), "Get What You Give" (2012) and "Dear Youth" (2014). The group stands for authenticity, dedication, perseverance and the most literal adherence to the core values behind their craft. Sonically, the group places equal emphasis on deeply personal vocals, urgent riffing and pile-driving breakdowns within the framework of their heavily melodic modern hardcore.
THE GHOST INSIDE is Jonathan Vigil (vocals), Chris Davis (guitar), Zach Johnson (guitar), Jim Riley (bass) and Andrew Tkaczyk (drums).
Photo credit: Jonathan Weiner
