Album Review: Power Through Terror // Great American Ghost

Great American Ghost have made big strides since their 2017 album ‘Hatred Stems from the Seed.’ They played Warped Tour in 2018 and Impericon’s Never Say Die Tour in 2019. They’ve gained a bigger fanbase while managing to stay heavy and aggressive. This is evident on new album ‘Power Through Terror’, bringing in a wide pool of influences.

The album is relentless because it has brutal metallic riffs. This is evident on opener ‘Rat King.’ Its abrasive guitar riff is unsettling, setting the tone for the rest of the album.

What sets ‘Power Through Terror’ apart is the bands’ strong ear for melody. There are some catchy choruses , for example on ‘Prison of Hate’ which are mindblowing. The production is stronger as well because every instrument sounds bigger. ‘Socialised Animals’ brings a change of pace, because the pummelling double kick drums help it flow nicely.

I feel that so far, 2020 has been a slow burner with albums. However, ‘Power Through Terror’ changes that because it adds a variety of flavours to hardcore, keeping the genre interesting. It’s a record that is steeped in brutality and one where you can feel every blood-curdling scream.

‘Power Through Terror’ is released on the 14th February via eOne.

Words by Ermis Madikopoulos