Deflecting Ghosts - Passion of the Scorned
Rock, Alternative
Kansas, U.S.
Overall Impression: "Passion of the Scorned" is a blistering testament to the power of solitude in creation, a track that surges with the energy of a full band yet is the product of a single skilled artist in Luke Fitzgerald. Between its anthemic riffs, emotive lead guitar work, melody-drenched vocals, and fist-pumping grooves, this is a track that manages to capture both the raw energy and sense of grandeur that the melodic hard-rock and alternative metal genres are so synonymous with. Luke's ability to single-handedly deliver an immersive and dynamic experience is nothing short of impressive. Every note, every word, feels deliberate, contributing to a work that is as much a reflection of inner turmoil as it is a powerful musical statement. There’s an undeniable melodicism that weaves through the aggression, offering a perfect balance between raw power and intricate craftsmanship, resulting in a thoroughly engaging listening experience that manages to strike the perfect balance between intensity and nuanced melodicism brilliantly.
Strongest Point(s): Lyrically, "Passion of the Scorned" offers a poignant experience and they delve into the darker corners of the human experience, exploring themes of sin, power, and eternal damnation with a poetic yet brutal frankness. The opening lines—"I can smell your sin so sweet, I often fantasize that you are bowing at my feet"—set the tone for a narrative that is both seductive and menacing. The lyrics speak of a corrupting force, one that offers liberation through indulgence but at the cost of one’s soul. The recurring refrain, “You’re coming with me where the dead never die,” is a chilling mantra, a call to surrender to the inevitable pull of darkness. These lyrics are of course elevated by Luke's melodic vocal approach and they provide a great sense of contrast against the harder-edged elements that underline them. Speaking of these underlying elements, the rhythm guitar work is tight and precise, presenting the riffs in an impactful way that is both dynamic and intense, whilst the lead guitar elements help infuse an even greater sense of melodic nuance into proceedings. The rhythmic backbone of the track, comprised of deep resonant bass lines and groove-infused drum work offers a strong foundation for which every other element can be effectively built. This ensures the arrangement feels both cohesive and dynamic. Speaking of the arrangement, it's an impressive feat of multi-layered construction, where every element has its place but never feels cluttered. There’s a natural flow to the track, each section leading seamlessly into the next, yet there’s a sense of unpredictability that keeps you on edge. It’s a delicate balance between chaos and control, where the layers of instrumentation build upon one another, creating a dense, detailed sound that feels both organic and meticulously crafted.
Target Audience Appeal: "Passion Of The Scorned" is an effective piece of alternative-inspired melodic metal and I'm sure it will strongly resonate with fans of the genre.
Artist target suggestions: Asking Alexandria, Lake Of Tears, Ghost, Crown The Empire, Alcest, Memphis May Fire, We Came As Romans, Woe, Is Me, Like Moths, Wage War, Blessthefall, I See Stars, Polaris
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About the Reviewer:
Andre is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd", Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.