For those of you reading who thought that you had a healthy and varied diet, you obviously have never indulged in a nice, fat wedge of Ghost Toast. One thing is for sure, this band leave you “Hungary” for more...which incidently are where the band are based.
Initially, from what seems like an exceptional marriage of early Tool and Dream Theatre, “Out of this World” has so much more to offer than its first couple of songs delude you into believing. I would liken this album to an OST for the end of the world rather than a record from a band. These intelligent and harmonious works would be at home anywhere; be it film, computer games or even a stadium.
It would be easy to look at a band that did not have a vocalist and mention how much better it would be with one. However, the instrumentation, performance and capture of the ebb and flow of their extensive creative catalogue, would, in my opinion, find any lead vocal detracting from the huge amount on offer.
A few of the tracks such as “Kala” incorporate vocal lines but they truly feel part of the whole, rather than the music providing a platform for the voice. The introduction to “Last Man” utilises spoken word and historic speech to quite dramatic effect. These examples of the minor use of a voice really stands out throughout the record. It is highly effective in breaking from the pure instrumentation whilst adding positively to the piece.
I think you have to put yourself into a different mindset when you listen to this record. It is not a collection of songs, it is a musical journey with recurring thematic imagery. It is essentially a theatre performance. It is clear each member of Ghost Toast have poured their heart and soul into its creation. Everyone has performed to high professional standards and the production value is top notch as a result.
My standout note regarding this record is that the first and last song have the exact same theme, which gives a beautiful cyclical feel to this album. I could have it on repeat over and over without even noticing. Not because the songs are not memorable, It is just that I would feel wrong stopping it before it had reached its crescendo.
Also, track number 2. “Gordius”. Everything from 2:02. Just...well...go listen! Absolutely fucking masterful.
If you take nothing else away from this review, just know one thing: Ghost Toast are correct. This record is truly “Out of this World”.
10/10 - Review by Dan
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