Denmark isn’t the first country that comes to mind when you think of metal, but it’s produced its fair share of talent over the years. Legendary acts like Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Volbeat, Mnemic, and more recently bands like the stunning Møl and the crushingly heavy Cabal – it’s like a secret haven in the genre, quietly brewing incredible bands to unleash on the rest of the world. Another example are metalcore outfit Ghost Iris – a band who aren’t exactly new, but their brand new record ‘Comatose’ is, and it’s going to make sure you gaze in their direction.
This record has the genetic make up of a classic metalcore record that’s been spliced with a few borrowed genes from other parts of the metal world. The enormous riffs are here, as are the insanely catchy melodies and paralysing breakdowns, but there’s also the feral rawness of hardcore, the irresistible grooves of djent, the occasional appearance of brutish deathcore, and a few other delectable treats. Strap yourself in – this is quite a ride.
As soon as the record fully kicks into gear with ‘desert dread’, the bands mission statement becomes immediately clear – be as intense as possible, for as long as possible. Towering guitars and unsettling discordant tones collide at high speed, only slowing down for the occasional moment of blissful calm in the form of an insanely catchy chorus. ‘paper tiger’ continues the punishment, removing the opportunity for a breather with menacing doom-ridden tones and blood-curdling growls to keep you uncomfortably alert. And so it begins.
‘coda’ is a big and bold sledgehammer of a track, swinging back and forth with inhumanly thick bass tones, pounding drums and forceful guitars that all come together to make one of the angriest breakdowns on the album. The delicate opening of ‘coma’ lulls you into a false sense of security before thrashing into fiery territory, only fanning the flames for a few select moments before allowing the heat to continue rising. ‘cold sweat’ is a slice of classic metalcore that jumps from riff to head-bangable riff, ‘power schism’ is an intense and broody slice of Chimaira-esque power, ‘former self’ is a five minute metalcore expedition of the highest calibre, and that all only represents one side of the record.
It’s not all about the aural assault, you see. There are plenty of uplifting and more delicate moments on show here, and they’re well balanced amidst the chaos. ‘ebb flow’ is about as close as this record gets to a ballad, showing off what vocalist Jesper Vicencio Gün is capable of as he channels a touch of Holding Absence’s Lucas Woodland to stun you into silence. ‘cult’ is more of a blend of light and dark, swirling with threatening tones one moment and switching to soaring and anthemic textures the next with devastating effect. It’s all wonderfully paced, put together in a way that has you tingling with adrenaline at the journey’s end and ready to dive straight back in.
What Ghost Iris have done with ‘Comatose’ is seriously impressive. It takes the pinpoint precision of modern metalcore and blends it with such intense rage that it feels unhinged, even in its most focused moments. Think of the seething rawness of a band like Knocked Loose and the clear-cut accuracy of a band like Fit For A King, one snapping its drooling jaws whilst the other sharpens its blade in preparation for a beautiful and evenly fought battle.
The heavy parts of this album will boil your blood, the melodic parts will warm your heart, and together they’ll completely set you alight in mind, body, and soul. The name of this record may refer to being lethargic or lifeless, but its contents will have you doing the exact opposite. Make a note of the name – Ghost Iris are going places.
DAVE STEWART