GHØSTKID‘s latest offering, “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE,” marks a significant chapter in the realm of modern metal, epitomizing a journey through darkness with the finesse of seasoned storytellers. Led by the enigmatic Sebastian “Sushi” Biesler, GHØSTKID transcends their previous work, weaving a narrative rich in emotional depth and musical complexity.
The band’s lineup, a formidable assembly of talent, sets the stage for an album that pushes the boundaries of nu-metal. Biesler’s voice, a versatile instrument in its own right, navigates the emotional spectrum with precision, from the primal screams of “Blood” to the haunting whispers of “Valerie.” The dual guitars of Jappo van Glory and Chris Kisseler, Stanni Czywil‘s pulsating bass, and Steve Joakim‘s thunderous drums create a sonic backdrop that is both intricate and immersive.
“HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE” is an odyssey through the underbelly of Los Angeles, a city synonymous with dreams and despair. The opening track, bearing the album’s title, sets a tone of defiance, a theme that resonates throughout the album. Songs like “S3X” and “FSU” showcase the band’s skill in layering sounds to create a rich, textured musical landscape that is both visceral and vibrant.
The album’s lyrical content is not for the faint of heart, delving into themes of self-harm, violence, and the darker aspects of human relationships. Yet, it is in these dark waters that GHØSTKID finds its strength, using their music as a conduit for catharsis and emotional release. “VALERIE” stands out as a spectral ballad, its ethereal atmosphere a testament to the band’s ability to explore vulnerability within their heavy sound.
“BLACK CLOUD,” “UGLY,” and “BLOOD” return to the album’s core of aggression and intensity, each track a chapter in the narrative of struggle and resilience. The collaboration on “MURDER (FT. INHUMAN)” introduces a new level of ferocity, adding a layer of complexity to the album’s sound.
Concluding with “DAHLIA” and “HELENA DRIVE,” the album transitions from the chaotic to the contemplative, offering a reflective pause after an exhilarating journey. These tracks serve as a poignant epilogue, weaving a tale of heartbreak and hope.
In “HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE,” GHØSTKID has crafted an album that is both a musical triumph and a narrative masterpiece. It stands as a monumental achievement to the power of music to explore the depths of the human condition, offering a beacon of light in the darkness. This album is not just a collection of songs; it is an experience, a journey that demands to be taken in its entirety.
Antoine’s Rating: 8/10
Preorder the album here: https://ghostkid.lnk.to/HollywoodSuicideID
Tracklist:
01 HOLLYWOOD SUICIDE 3:24
02 S3X 3:14
03 FSU 3:46
04 HEAVY RAIN 3:55
05 VALERIE 2:35
06 BLACK CLOUD 2:52
07 UGLY 3:35
08 BLD 2:41
09 MURDER feat Inhuman 3:12
10 DAHLIA 3:40
11 HELENA DRIVE 3:48
Band Members:
Joel Hokka – Vocals
Niko Vilhelm Moilanen – Vocals
Joonas Porko – Guitar
Olli Matela – Bass
Tommi Lalli – Drums
Aleksi Kaunisvesi – DJ, Percussion
UK dates:
29.03 – Thekla, Bristol
30.03 – KK’s Steelmill, Wolverhampton
31.03 – The Garage, Glasgow
02.04 – Club Academy, Manchester
03.04 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
04.04 – La Scala, London
SPRING TOUR 2024 W/ BLACK VEIL BRIDES + CREEPER:
4/25 — San Francisco, CA — Fillmore
4/27 — Las Vegas, NV — Sick New World
4/28 — Salt Lake City, UT — The Depot
4/29 — Denver, CO — Ogden Theater
4/30 — Kansas City, MO — The Truman
5/2 — Minneapolis, MN — Fillmore
5/3 — Chicago, IL — Concord Music Hall
5/4 — Green Bay, WI — Epic
5/5 — Detroit, MI — Royal Oak Theater
5/7 — Albany, NY — Empire Live
5/8 — Boston, MA — House of Blues Boston
5/9 — Richmond, VA — The National
5/10 — Raleigh, NC — The Ritz
5/12 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville
5/13 — Atlanta, GA — Buckhead Theater
5/15 — New York, NY — Palladium Times Square
5/16 — Philadelphia, PA — Fillmore
5/17 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple
5/18 — Nashville, TN — Marathon Music Works
5/20 — San Antonio, TX — The Aztec Theatre
5/21 — Houston, TX — RISE
5/22 — Dallas, TX — The Factory
5/24 — Tempe, AZ — The Marquee
5/25 — Los Angeles, CA — The Belasco
