Interview with Ghost Bath's Dennis and a review of the grim classic Rose Thorn Necklace.







Interview with Ghost Bath's Dennis and a review of the grim classic Rose Thorn Necklace.

If you are a fan of Depressive Black Metal or well-thought-out extreme metal, you must listen to Ghost Bath's entire catalogue. Solid, soul-destroying and gripping dark anthems that are crafted with skill. The band's latest release, Rose Thorn Necklace, is their finest hour, and I was pleased to chat with Nameless (aka Dennis Mikula), the band's creator and wizard.


We spoke about:
-how the new album came about
-where it sits after the previous trilogy of releases
-how the album is very gloomy and dark, yet it is dynamic and energetic


-the singles from this great album and the differences between them
-the brilliant variation across the album
-the importance and radiance of the instrumental tracks 

-how Dennis has crafted this project, and his passion for it
-the stunning synth and piano work on the album
-the effort put into the art aspect of the band, from cover art to video curation
and much more!.

ENJOY:

(ALL OUR INTERVIEWS ARE VIA OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL)

CHECK OUT THE WHOLE CATALOGUE:





Ghost Bath Rose Thorn Necklace review:


Rose Thorn Necklace is Ghost Bath’s fifth album and marks a new chapter, moving beyond their earlier conceptual trilogy and building on the intensity of 2021’s Self Loather.

At 35 minutes, this is Ghost Bath’s shortest album, but it is their most intense and focused work to date. While the album is short, it is densely packed with ideas and never feels repetitive. The instrumental and atmospheric tracks contribute to the album’s journey-like feel.


The album blends haunting atmospherics, despairing melodies, and a gothic grandeur with bursts of aggression and horror. It’s both beautiful and grim, mixing ethereal melodies with harsh, raw rage.

Six of the nine tracks are traditional songs, while the others serve as atmospheric interludes. Each track has its own character, with notable experimentation as thrash-influenced riffs and hard rock leads on Dandelion Tea, and even danceable beats on Vodka Butterfly.


The album’s emotional range is a key strength, moving from introspective melancholy to moments of uplifting grandeur and even unexpected danceable rhythms. The use of synths and varied guitar work adds depth and colour, making each track distinct.



Vocals are particularly raw and expressive, channelling anguish and despair in a way that feels honest and impactful.


The production, handled in part by frontman Dennis Mikula at his home studio, is praised for its honesty and rawness, enhancing the album’s emotional impact.


Thematically, the album explores the contrast between beauty and the grotesque, with lyrics and music delving into despair, trauma, and existential terror.




Every track is a highlight, and this is a perfect album that deserves to be listened to from front to back.
Well recommended.

Out now:

(ALL PHOTOS ARE FROM THE BAND'S SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS)



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