Love Ghost’s ‘Revolution Evolution’ is a pleasingly chunky affair. The basis of the arrangement has a common root with some of the more industrial sounds from the Metropolis label, but the band uses that heavy, mechanical sound to build something more interesting. In places, a heavy, grinding riff touches upon a Rob Zombie-ish intensity, which coupled with a vocal that sounds like a distant relation of Marilyn Manson, creates something that lovers of 90s sounds will love. The real interest here, though, comes from the track’s quieter elements, in particular, a verse that couples a drawling, almost sneery vocal with a twangy guitar tone that owes more to a cinematic style. With a few of these elements heavily treated to bring a darker mood and with the melodies occasionally underscored by sirens, this creates a brilliantly unsettling listen and a perfect way to kick off the ‘Anarchy and Ashes’ EP, the LA-based act’s seventh release.

From there, the riffs never subside. ‘Vengeance’ retains an abrasive edge, first coupling the raw sound to more of a grubby rock riff – seemingly borrowed from Devo’s ‘Girl U Want’, deliberately or otherwise – before slipping into something a touch more melodic, showcasing emo-tinged vocals gliding across a riff that feels almost punky. By the time the chorus rolls around, all of the styles flaunted here come together on a huge sounding hook where a crushing sound underscores a soaring vocal. It’s kind of messy, yet at the same time, has a coolness that makes it work. By throwing in a few grinding basslines and a chanting vocal sample nearer the end of the number, it also has a restlessness that keeps the listener interested, while ‘Silk Noose’ takes a complete u-turn into a world of mechanical beats and synth pop hooks to share something that almost feels commercial by Love Ghost standards. Or at least it would be, had the vocal not been drowned in a wave of distortion. But, as it transpires, that becomes a perfect fit for the more industrial sounds that follow, once everyone settles into a melody that sounds like something from the world of ‘Ultra’ era Depeche Mode retooled by KMFDM. Much like ‘Revolution Evolution’, it’s a track that often sounds like a combo of its influences, but at the same time, ends up sounding like something that elevates beyond them, sounding especially impressive when played rather loudly.

In another slight tonal shift, ‘Violence Wears Make-Up’ opens with a blast of synths acting like a brassy fanfare beneath a really distorted riff. In just a few seconds, it advertises the sense of force within the Love Ghost sound very effectively, before the track slides into a rhythmic swagger that recalls Marilyn Manson’s ‘Dope Hat’. Beyond that, however, no further influence should be sought: where as Manson would use such an arrangement to confront and disturb, here, the familiar groove acts as a basis for a lyric that sounds like a call to arms for the disenfranchised and for the emo lovers, centring around a superb vocal that captures an energy that’s just perfect for the piece. For those hoping for something a little more accessible, this EP also offers a superb cover tune, drawn from a left field source. Love Ghost take ‘Rock Me Amadeus’, Falco’s monster hit from the 80s, and give it a tougher edge. In their hands, the number blends synth pop and industrial sounds in a way that never detracts from a great melody. If anything, the appliance of a little distortion and some guitar actually makes the melodic hook shine more brightly, or at least sound far more contemporary at the time of release. With the lead vocal clinging onto a dry and accented delivery too, the love for the original cut can easily be felt throughout.

Each of this EP’s five tracks are different enough to keep things feeling pleasingly varied, yet similar enough to ensure the material has a flow and a consistency that sounds greater than the sum of the parts. Whether you approach ‘Anarchy and Ashes’ as a fan or a new listener, it works, and has the air of something that can stand alone as a great listen. Check it out for the heavier ‘Revolution Evolution’ and the inspired Falco cover, then stay for the rest – if you like riff based material with industrial overtones, you won’t be disappointed.

April 2026