Death cannot be avoided, which is an unfortunate fact of our existence. We ourselves only have a limited stay on this planet, and as our time goes on, we also watch loved ones pass, both human and animal, and it can have a profound impact that lingers forever. Yet, spirits can live on in our lives and hearts, and the emotions we feel can be interwoven into the beings we no longer can see and feel physically.

On “Ghost at the Gallows,” the tremendous fifth full-length effort from Spirit Adrift, death is around every corner. Having had it as a theme in longtime band leader Nate Garrett’s life, the eight songs that make up this latest creation do bask in the loss but also triumph. The vocalist/guitarist stitched together a world where we’re surrounded by ghosts that bring on trauma and loss, but there’s also strength and triumph to be experienced, and these songs can be downright uplifting. On this record, Garrett is joined by guitarist Tom Draper (also of Pounder), bassist Sonny DeCarlo (Goya), and drummer Mike Arellano (Disfigured, Indisgust) to help flesh out this dynamic journey. We’ve long been fans of the band at this site, but this might be their best work. Each visit, these tracks grow and consume your mind, the roots growing into your mind and heart as the music connects, and the themes solidify.  

“Give Her to the River” has a tempered open, setting the stage for what’s to come, and then the energy comes. “In the fire we transform,” Garrett howls, “in the water we’re reborn,” as the chorus gets lodged in your brain. Fires are set as the soloing takes over and lathers, a spirited corkscrew that energizes as the calm waters at the end soothe. “Barn Burner” lets the riffs ignite on a punchier track that also is the album’s first single. “Light your torches, just remember you’ll be the next to burn,” Garrett calls over the sticky chorus, and then the guitar work takes over and stretches its wings. The playing mashes hard as the chorus loops back again, leaving you with a stark reminder. “Hanged Man’s Revenge” jolts, the drums crushing, a fiery, heavy pace taking hold and pulling you with it. The soloing picks up and carries the fire, sizzling before doomy strains add thick coats of soot, everything fading into a sound warp. “These Two Hands” is softer to start, acoustic strains raining down, reflective tones pulling the shadows over your eyes. Guitars open up as a sunburnt effect warms the flesh, and the emotions rise, turning more hopeful and immersed in glory. “All that I am changed forever, I have to believe it gets better,” Garrett urges, the playing slowly fading into time.

“Death Won’t Stop Me” brings swelling guitars and a swampy vibe, mashing with defiance as the screws are turned. “There’s an anger that’ll never go away,” Garrett jolts, the playing both heated and catchy, blaring into your eardrums before silence consumes everything. “I Shall Return” is a gem in the back half of the record, sounding a bit like “Crazy Train” as it starts, treating tragedy with triumph. “If I leave I shall return,” Garrett calls, paying mind to presence of souls we have lost and their continual existence in our hearts and minds. The soloing lights up and scorches, bringing a snap of power, finally ending in a smashing blaze. “Siren of the South” is thrashy as hell when it starts, and then it goes more mystical, chugging and trucking as the pace delivers twisting changes. “She speaks through me trying to get to you,” Garrett wails as a medium, stop/start mangling adds to the heaviness, and the final moments laser across the night sky. The stunning title track ends the album by mashing right away, the verses melting and flowing like lava, ominous visions imparted as Garrett insists, “I’ll never break free.” The guitar work gets warmer, exhaling ashy, bluesy smoke, going cold for a stretch, and returning to haunt again. Things then turn properly psychedelic, Garrett making spiritual connections to those who have passed on, and the energy crescendos, fading into a cloud of mystery.

We’ve all been touched by loss and grief, and trying to build back from that and live meaningful lives can lead to guilt and the feeling that we’ve somehow let down those we love. “Ghost at the Gallows” addresses that anxiety, pain, fear, and sadness and, in turn, reminds us those relationships don’t have to end, and we can find solace in power in the times we have spent together. Spirit Adrift always deliver their style of fiery heavy metal with emotion, but this might be their most impactful record and statement yet, proving the lessons taught here were taken to heart and can make us feel alive again even in our darkest times.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/SpiritAdrift/

To buy the album, go here: https://centurymedia.store/dept/spirit-adrift

For more on the label, go here: https://www.centurymedia.com/