Ghost Wounds

Ghost Wounds’ debut EP, “Slow Apocalypse,” delivers a rugged blend of post-hardcore, post-punk, and emo, encapsulating a sense of personal and collective chaos across its three tracks. Hailing from eastern Pennsylvania and featuring ex-members of Speedwell, Carpenter Ant, and other underground staples, Ghost Wounds combines their diverse musical backgrounds to create a raw and emotionally charged sound. Released through Engineer Records Better Living Through Records, the EP is a sharp introduction to a band with a clear sense of purpose.

The EP opens with “Fate of Lust,” a track that immediately sets the tone with its seesawing riffs and urgent vocal delivery. The guitars churn with a tense energy, driving the song forward while maintaining a dissonant edge. Lyrically, the track touches on themes of desire, conflict, and inner turmoil, reflecting the emotional intensity that permeates much of the EP. The vocalist’s raw, strained delivery adds a layer of desperation to the music, making “Fate of Lust” feel like a cathartic release for both the band and the listener. The song is a perfect opener, showcasing Ghost Wounds’ ability to wield their instruments with precision while maintaining an unhinged, freewheeling quality that feels spontaneous and alive. “Crossed Heirs,” the second track, slows things down slightly, but the tension remains palpable. The guitar work here leans more into post-punk territory, with angular riffs and a driving bassline that underpins more atmospheric moments. The drumming is relentless, creating a sense of unease that mirrors the song’s themes of inherited trauma and societal collapse. It’s a song that feels deeply personal and reflective of larger societal issues, blending personal pain with political and cultural disillusionment. The layering of vocals, at times buried under the weight of the instruments, adds to the sense of suffocation that the song conveys.

The EP’s final track, “Inferno,” lives up to its name, delivering a blistering, chaotic conclusion to the record. The song is an emotional and sonic crescendo, with its relentless pace and ferocious energy. The post-hardcore influences are most apparent here, with heavy, distorted guitars and frantic drumming creating a sound that feels on the verge of collapsing under its own intensity. The track’s thematic exploration of global devastation resonates powerfully, making “Inferno” a fitting end to an EP that confronts both personal and collective apocalypses. It’s a visceral, impactful closer that leaves a lasting impression. “Slow Apocalypse” is a powerful debut that introduces Ghost Wounds as a fresh, unique, innovative act on a contemporary post-hardcore scene. Their ability to blend personal anguish with broader societal themes, all while maintaining a raw and unpolished sound, sets them apart from many of their contemporaries. The EP’s tight, three-track format ensures that each song makes an impact without overstaying its welcome, leaving listeners eager for more. If this is just the beginning, Ghost Wounds are poised for an exciting future. Head to Engineer Records for more information about ordering. - Thoughts Words Action

Three song-debut from Lehigh Valley, Pa. trio. Hearing a strong DC influence here, which is pleasing to the ears. The songs have a solid groove and the recording is stellar. “Crossed Heirs” keeps coming back into my brain for good reason. Hoover with Guy Picciotto on vocals? You be the judge. Vinyl available with one fewer song. –Sean Koepenick (Better Living Through / ghostwounds.bandcamp.com) - Razorcake

7/10

Having already cut their teeth in various bands across Eastern Pennsylvania these last few years, US trio Ghost Wounds are certainly looking to make some serious noise with their latest venture. Exploring a heady mix of anthemic alt-rock textures with a distinctly progressive edge throughout, the band have spent much of the last few months developing and cultivating their vibrant direction. And without looking to waste any more time, they are now bringing that intensity to the rest of us with their brilliant debut EP 'Slow Apocalypse'.

With a title a reference to the slow-moving natural and social disasters currently plaguing the world stage, 'Slow Apocalypse' aims to highlight the darkened despair these events have begun to take on us. With a riveting grunge-inspired production that perfectly heightens the visceral intent of their newest collection, these three new offerings make for some wonderfully immersive listens. Brimming with a raw and unbridled energy from start to finish, Ghost Wounds are certainly looking to kick off with an almighty bang here.

It may be their only piece of new material so far, but it's already clear exactly the kind of impact this three-piece are looking to make. Creating some brilliantly bold and euphoric offerings to kick things off, 'Slow Apocalypse' is exactly the kind of soundtrack we need as the world gradually burns. - Mystic Sons

Daring, captivating, and engaging are all words that describe emerging band Ghost Wounds. Hailing from eastern Pennsylvania, Ghost Wounds have taken the music industry by storm. They are raw, and they are known for a sound that has a nostalgic 90s rock influence with gritty undertones. The band is made up of Chris Eckhart (Guitar, Vocals), Cale Muffley (Bass), & Jonathan Roth (Drums, Vocals). After catching my attention earlier this week, they debut on our pages with their debut project, “Slow Apocalypse EP”.

“Slow Apocalypse EP” is a transformative project that is carried by 3 captivating records that discuss personal, national, & global devastation. “Fate of Lust” has an alluring intro that features an eerie guitar riff before incorporating engaging percussion. The hook on this record is commanding, and I loved the overall sonic progression. This is a song that will make you want to run through a brick wall. If you’re a fan of angsty records carried by twangy guitars & distortion, you will love this song.

“Crossed Heirs” has a groove that is almost hypnotic, and it is carried a sludgy bassline complimented by jangling guitars. Lyrically, the verses offered so much insight into the psyche of the band, and they transitioned well into the chorus. My personal favorite was “Inferno”. Like the saying goes, you always save the best for last. This fiery record is the ultimate stop. From start to finish, this song is flawless. From the production to the vocal delivery, this was the most complete song on the project. Overall, this EP was a great introduction to the band, and I hope to hear more. - Banger of the Day

Brand new debut EP from Ghost Wounds

Newcomers Ghost Wounds is a compelling trio hailing from eastern Pennsylvania, who are formed by a fusion of seasoned talents, drawing from an array of former bands including Speedwell, Meredith Bragg + the Terminals, Carpenter Ant, Sound of Reverse and Wondertaker. Featuring the talents of Chris Eckhart on guitar and vocals, Cale Muffley on bass and Jonathan Roth on drums and vocals, Ghost Wounds channels their collective experience into a powerful new project.

Now, unveiling their sound to the world for the first time, they make their entrance with their debut EP titled Slow Apocalypse EP. Across the three tracks on the EP, they deliver a potent mix of personal, national and global reflections wrapped up in their enthralling modern rock sound.

The Slow Apocalypse EP marks a notable introduction to Ghost Wounds’ artistic vision, available both as a three-song digital release and a two-song vinyl seven-inch. The split release via Better Living Through Records and Engineer Records sets the band up for an inevitable rise.

Opened by “Fate of Lust,” the EP starts with the delicate twang of guitar notes before the crash of drums ushers in the lead vocal. Delivers with rhythm punch and cut with stabbing chords of gritty guitars, the chorus launches into an epic alternative rock anthem brimming with splashing drums, crunchy guitars and commanding vocals.

“Crossed Hairs” follows with the grooving strike of drums and pulse of bass guitar to set up a psyechedlic-tinged rock out filtered through a sepia toned lens. With moody vocal leads spinning intense melodic leads, the track erupts into a raucous explosion of storming sonic energy, once again showcasing the band’s knack for flowing from intricate verses and rousing choruses, resulting in another memorable rock jam that’s energising and gripping from start to finish.

The final track on the EP, “Inferno,” sees the band cast a slick rhythm of snapping drums and brooding clean guitar tones that builds into a thrilling punk rock sound packed full of pounding rhythms, and angsty vocal performance. With once final outing of their bold, high-octane sound, it’s a riveting finale to the band’s incredible first release.

Having made their artistic intentions clear on Slow Apocalypse EP, Ghost Wounds have staked their claim as a must-watch newcomer trio that’s sure to win over fans around the world with their extraordinary sound. With original songwriting flair and the musicianship panache to bring it to life, we can’t wait to see what this exciting new outing has in store for the rest of 2024 and beyond. - Plastic Magazine

There’s something fascinating about things falling apart, even if you happen to be in their near proximity as they start to take a tumble. Call it the “deer in the headlights” effect. Blame it on being totally mesmerized. Or, simply, if you must, say that it’s a fatal attraction.

Judging by the news, the world’s good fortune is sliding down the gutter. In some places, it is quicker than in others. We’re all paralyzed by fear yet unable to look away. Most of us can’t make any sense of it all. This is why we need artists who won’t mince their words and won’t spare us the uncomfortable truths.

Ghost Wounds’ “Slow Apocalypse” isn’t just a collection of rock songs inspired by how bad things have gotten in the world, but especially about just how bad things are about to get. It’s scientific, and Ghost Wounds have their own approach to investigating this matter – emotional, guitar-driven songs.

The three-song EP opens with “Fate of Lust,” a tune that brings to mind the original emocore bands such as Rites of Spring, or even the funkier Fugazi. It’s a song that hides little from the audience, with muted verses leading to tumultuous choruses all marked by a question and confession: “Where do I belong?”

Next, “Crossed Heirs” feels like slowly being lowered down into a wet cement. The music does a good job of propping the concept. This is a tune about being born in a savage, war-loving nation – presumably the U.S. of A.

Where does this leave us? Nowhere good, as it turns out. “Inferno” is the EP’s finale and, according to its authors, a possible finale to life on our little blue planet. Once again, Ghost Wounds’ show that they are turning into masters of dissonance, endless tension, and guitar distortion over choruses that add questions to the already existing ones.

Ghost Wounds’ “Slow Apocalypse” operates within the confines of great mental dread. But the musicians are quick to justify exactly why they feel this way. The music, in cooperation with any random new bulletin, should have the effect of making you feel the exact same way. - Alt77