Labels: Tankcrimes
Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital
Release Date: 02 Feb 2024
Tracklist:
1. The Eyes Of The Witch
2. Noxious Concoctions
3. Shotgun Gulch
4. Ratlicker
5. 1-900-DTH-LINE (Funerot Cover)
After just over two years of silence, California's splatterthrash heroes Ghoul returned with brand new EP Noxious Concoctions in February (yes I know we're approaching year end!). Released on vinyl, cd and digital formats via Tankcrimes, it features four new songs and a cover song that was originally written by fellow US death/thrash/crossover band Funerot. They're currently touring parts of the US with label mates Haggus as part of the Weapons Of Mosh Destruction V tour and there are only few dates left if you're planning on catching em!
After educating a colleague on what mosh pits are today, it feels only right to get stuck into something fast and loud. Enter stage right Ghoul and their latest EP, beginning with ‘The Eyes Of The Witch’. Being the ultimate troll band that they are, they kick off with an unexpectedly long song that’s both interstellar and haunting to start before excellently transitioning into a groovy, and catchy slab of melodic thrash. The harsh vocals remind you of what you’re dealing with as twin-guitar melodies and outstanding metal vibes make it impossible to ignore.
I’m not quite sure how Ghoul are going to surpass that opener to be honest but there’s no time to waste as the EP’s title track ’Noxious Concoctions’ takes over. It’s up-tempo nature seems at odds with ‘The Eyes Of The Witch’ but I guess that’s the point. If you want modern ripping thrash, this is for you. The brilliantly named ’Shotgun Gulch’ is up next and once again Ghoul are caught between catchy groove and intense speed/thrash. Whatever your preference, there’s only so long you can resist before their silky tones pull you in (yes, I really described them as silky! Might regret that later).
Penultimate song ‘Ratlicker’ is also Ghoul’s final original number here and it hoovers up everything that’s great about old-school skate punk and throws it through a meat grinder of death metal, hardcore and thrash. There’s no way of knowing or guessing where it will take you so just give in. Wherever you end up, it’ll be better than the here and now. They close the EP with a cover of Funerot’s ‘1-900-DTH-LINE’ and it’s absolutely killer (as expected). Ghoul put their own stamp on this sub two-minute rager and by doing so, hopefully open new ears to another super prolific death/thrash/crossover band that existed for nearly a decade when they themselves were starting out.
Ghoul’s sound has always been heavy and has featured the unexpected. Here it feels as though they’ve taken another step up. Staying true to their thrash metal beginnings while growing musically. It looks like splatterthrash is here to stay!
You can stream and purchase Noxious Concoctions digitally from Ghoul below:-
Ghoul - https://www.facebook.com/GhoulunaticsAsylum
Vinyl and cd copies can be purchased from Tankcrimes here - https://tankcrimes.merchtable.com
Tankcrimes - https://www.facebook.com/tankcrimes
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