Album Review: Tribe of Ghosts – CITY (Self Released)

Tribe Of Ghosts, the Brighton-based industrial/post-metal four piece will release their debut full-length album, ‘CITY’, on October 14th, 2024. A concept album telling the story of a dystopian society living in an unnamed metropolis, and how the ruling classes continue to abuse and harvest the population until it is a society of punishment, violence and debauchery, leading to eventual societal collapse.

Finally. Talk about a long time coming, but it has sure been worth the wait. This band’s evolution is complete, and what stands before us, proudly displaying dark dystopian sounds in anthemic style, is one of the best things in British metal.

It has been nothing short of a spectacular rise for Tribe of Ghosts over the past few years, but there is no ceiling on this band, hence the incredible buzz around this release. Since they started to introduce synth and samples, they have found a new, higher level, and their ambitions are beginning to be realised. Not just by delivering spectacular music, but creating a concept that fits their style perfectly, and is expressed emphatically here. The word ‘dystopian’ might be a bit overused, but there’s no truer way to sum up the sound and feel of this album.

It should come as no surprise to Tribe of Ghosts’ fans, but this album is a triumph and that is on display from the start. First, with the title track that is darkly ambient, creating a sense of fear and wonder with its display of uncomfortable sounds and growing freneticism. It is the harbinger of things to come, which just so happens to be HIVE.

Over a year since its release and it’s as necessary listening now as it was back then. Back in August 2023, I said it was arguably the best track they had ever written, and I stand by that statement. Especially as it takes on new life when heard in the context of this album. Coming after the title track, it sounds heavier, it feels more frantic, and more dangerous than ever. This is the sharp sound of this band, using eccentric and emphatic industrial effects to give their music sci-fi cinematic value.

There’s so much to love about it as a track, and everyone is playing their hearts out here, but there’s no talking about this track (and pretty much the entire album) without mentioning the vocals. The contrast of soaring clean singing and filthy gutturals is outstanding and they play off each other in stunning fashion.

Take a breath, STARGAZER is next and it has a different tone. One that is more sombre, almost reflective in sound, and one drawing clear inspiration from composers like Vangelis and Hans Zimmer. It’s fascinating to hear both vocalists singing clean here, and they soar impressively, hand in hand. It’s almost comforting, until the shift, and a harsh reality sets in. The increasing tempo of electronica that leads to an explosive finale is one of the most brutal moments of the entire record.

Although very little can touch the ugly and abrasive synthesis of genres that FALSE GODS offers. This is the sickness within Tribe of Ghosts’ metropolis and with this track they express the repulsive behaviour of those at the top. An assault on the senses, marrying sounds and effects to ooze a really robust industrial feel. One coated with an old-school vibe, and paired with that delightful metallised post style that Tribe of Ghosts have made their own.

As much as their use of synths and samples have become integral to their sound, it’s important to not forget that post-metal is still at the core of this band. Which is expressed strongly through COLD and the shimmering shifts it has. How about the sudden stomach-churning drop and following melody/soaring vocals that leads to an eruption of nasty sounding belligerence? That’s the moment of COLD.

At this stage, it’s fair to call CITY one hell of an exciting listen, especially with such varied aspects. Yet, as much as the more creative stuff is lovable, there’s something about a track like DESOLATION WILL BE THEIR ONLY REWARD that just works. It’s stimulating, it’s dangerous, it’s dark, and it’s forceful, with an ending that might be some of the heaviest music the band have put out there so far.

With REIGN, Tribe of Ghosts showcase destruction. Destruction that can’t be halted or controlled, it’s almost biblical and with that comes a more epic tone. There’s an orchestra of synth and electronica here, but when combined with big guitars and heavy drums, it sounds even more immense. No amount of melody and soft singing can shake the feeling of despair this track has. So many will no doubt be grateful for the peacefulness that the interlude of DREAM GALLERY offers. It is a very pretty piece of music, but with an underlying sadness that fits the theme perfectly.

It helps transition the listener into FLOAT DOWN, which is one of the more challenging listens. Beginning in simple melodious fashion, quietly layering in more elements as the vocals arrive to lead us through some momentary moments of serenity. Yet there’s an underlying trauma that makes things feel tense, paid off when the track transforms into a hefty post experience. The guitars scream with pent up emotion and the drums are the equivalent of blood pounding in the temples. It is challenging as it’s not as obviously accessible as most of the album elsewhere, but goodness, it might be the most creative track of all.

Let’s not wrap this review up too early though, Tribe of Ghosts have one more to offer, and it begins with some pretty awesome synth. The dark ambience of the album isn’t disappearing, but the gloominess isn’t as oppressive on A LESSON LEARNT IN SILENCE. There’s a finality about this track and when paired with the previous track, it feels even more important.

It is the perfect ending to this album and the story they have told. A story that is displayed in stunning fashion. Few bands are capable of creating the level of immersion that Tribe of Ghosts have here. CITY is an absolute triumph. They should be so proud of themselves.

Tribe of Ghosts – CITY Track Listing:

1. CITY
2. HIVE
3. STARGAZER
4. FALSE GODS
5. COLD
6. DESOLATION WILL BE THEIR ONLY REWARD
7. REIGN
8. DREAM GALLERY
9. FLOAT DOWN
10. A LESSON LEARNT IN SILENCE

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