GHOST: IF YOU HAVE GHOSTS EP REVIEW

  The first EP by Swedish ghouls "Ghost" is primarily a cover album. Definitely tying in with their "Infestissumam" album. Even with two of the tracks being bonus tracks from the aforementioned album. 

  It opens up with the Roky Erickson cover (title track) which delivers a haunting feel similar to their first album while creating a sense of chaos and danger. Following that is a cover of Abba's "I'm A Marrionette" which has a good melody but can't maintain interest enough due to it's repetitiveness and seeming to drag on. 

  The third track "Crucified" (originally by Army Of Lovers) is the standout moment here. This song fits right into the Ghost sound and vibe. Also adding a bit of heaviness to the current sound. Closing off the covers is a version of Depeche Mode's "Waiting For The Night." Ending the album is a live version of their previous single "Secular Haze". 

  The song choice here blend well with the band's style of darker lyrics. However these songs feel like bonus tracks. While entertaining for its quick time length of just under 25 minutes. It's definitely needed for people who love the band but easily skipped by casual listeners. 

  Rating: 3 out of 5

  Notable Track:

    "Crucified"

ACCEPT: BLIND RAGE REVIEW

  I may be the first to say this but, I think Mark Tornillo is a better frontman than Udo. ( nothing against him of course). This album solidifies that for me. 

  It's good to see that even on the fourteenth album, Accept can still put out quality records. It opens with the balls out  single  "Stampede". Track two however ("Dying Breed") is one of those praise metal, let's name drop every classic band/song we know. It has a good sound but gets annoying real quick. It picks back up with "Dark Side Of My Heart". Track six "Wanna Be Free" is the lowest point on the album. There's a good message of let's achieve peace to it but the lyrics get cheesy to a point of making it unbearable. Given, it's a traditional metal album so the lyrics aren't expected to stand out and unfortunately they don't. 

  What does stand out is the sound itself. Tornillo crafts some incredible melodies that fit along with the instruments. The guitar work here is will either make you bang your head to it or get a speeding ticket to it. And that's exactly what we want with an album like this

  However, there's not much originality here and some songs do start to blend together. At just over an hour long, it would've greatly benefited to shave off a couple of tracks because it does feel like it drags on a little too long. Despite the bad things here, it's still a fun, exciting album.  

  Rating: 6 out of 10

  Notable Tracks:

    "Stampede"

    "Dark Side Of My Heart"

    "200 Years"