PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
4 star review for Ghost Empire by .@CalibanOfficial out now @centurymediaeu @centurymedia
Melodic metalcore band Caliban have been at the forefront of the German metal scene for the last fifteen years. With eight studio albums under their belts their belts, almost exactly two years after the release of I Am Nemesis the quintet are back with their follow-up effort, Ghost Empire (out now via Century Media).
The key to Caliban‘s loyal following has been an almost relentless touring schedule and albums of a consistently high standard. What really stands out on Ghost Empire is the outstanding vocals; the screams are viscous and vitriolic while the cleans are smooth. Andy Dörner and Denis Schmidt perform together beautifully with a unity that isn’t forced, but precise and harmonic. These are the sort of vocals that metalcore bands today should strive to meet and exceed, although few manage it so perfectly.
Ghost Empire contains a full quota of versatile song writing. You’ll find topics ranging from the emptiness of the selfish, the apocalypse, revenge, revolution and love. For the hardcore fans there is plenty of brutality to be found too, like on I Am Ghost, Devil’s Night and Wolves and Rats, but the heavy aspect is also tempered with textures and styles that you don’t always find on a recording of this type. yOUR Song starts off as a fast paced, frantic track with a very strong lead guitar line before hitting a powerful breakdown and blasting in to a catchy and simple chorus.
Ghost Empire is far from groundbreaking, and Caliban are by no means reinventing the wheel. This, however, does not make the final product any less enjoyable. It is a lot better than anything put out by many bands of the same genre, and holds its own with the best of them. In short the album is bloody good, not only vocally but also with the songwriting and production. Ghost Empire has everything to become a classic in its genre.
Track Listing:
1 King
2 Chaos – Creation
3 Wolves And Rats
4 nebeL
5 I Am Ghost
6 Devil’s Night
7 yOUR Song
8 Cries And Whispers
9 Good Man
10 I Am Rebellion
11 Who We Are
12 My Vertigo
Band Lineup:
Andreas Dörner : Vocals
Denis Schmidt : Vocals, Guita
Marc Görtz : Guitar
Marco Schaller : Bass
Band Links:
http://calibanmetal.com/
- 11.60
