Album Review: Chasing Ghosts - Bring Me Suffering
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
High on emotion and dramatic impact, the latest EP from Chasing Ghosts searches the dark recesses with evocations of fear, sadness, loss, and regret. Thick, doom laden riffs tangle with rich melody and harrowing soundscapes to create a unique sound that echoes My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost and Anathema. Having released their first EP ‘Fallen From Grace’ in 2016, the band released their debut album ‘These Hollow Gods’ in 2018, prompting positive reviews and much attention in the rock and metal media.
The three tracks released on ‘Bring Me Suffering’ act as a taster for those who have only just discovered the band, whilst longer term fans should be satisfied with the melancholic progression which Chasing Ghosts display. The EP see’s the union of haunting female harmonies (featuring Meghan Pettitt ex Eden House) alongside sombre, funereal strings which fit perfectly into the band’s music of despair. and natural sombre strings, resulting in an evolution of all the darker elements in ‘Chasing Ghosts’ already present sound. Opening with ‘A Darker Place’, Chasing Ghosts enter straight into the gothic halls with an addictive piece of misery. The title track evokes memories of the Anathema at their most intense, the layered sound deep with echoing guitar, soaring vocals, and raw emotion. A beautiful piano section mid-track adds to the gentle and deep delivery which builds to a stirring and dramatic crescendo of stunning proportions. This leads to the closing song, ‘Until The End’ which simmers and broods with an emotional tension, ghostly vocals and a otherworldly piano tone which adds to the atmosphere.
The band, Nelson Cancini (Vocals), Lee Brueton (Bass/Synth), Ashley Clark (Rhythm Guitar), Harry Mitten (Lead Guitar) and Richard Still (Drums) promise big things. With a cauldron brimming with influences but also with the band forging their own direct sound, ‘Bring Me Suffering’ is a welcome addition to 2020 and a helpful prompt to search out their earlier works.
