Regardless of whether you like them a lot or a little, the fact that The Ghost Inside continue to heal broken limbs and shattered lives in the tragic vehicle accident that happened a year ago this month, is nothing short of admirable. Everyone should be cheering for a band like this. The fact that they’ll be back playing Warped Tour 2017 is incredible as well. The melodic hardcore band from Cali is an inspiration to anyone who’s a musician, and certainly anyone having to overcome severe adversity in life. I can easily say this: when the band plays live again, it will be one of the most epic comeback tours in our music scene.
The band has also been around for over a decade now, but only recently started experiencing the success that has led to headlining tours and high-profile festival slots. This can be attributed to creating solid albums filled with songs that truly move the soul. Given that the band has released 4 full-lengths in their career, it’s a good time to list ten of The Ghost Inside’s best songs. Check out the list below.
#10: The Great Unknown (Get What You Give, 2012)
Get What You Give was one of 2012’s true breakout albums. Filled with some of the best-written songs of the band’s career, The Ghost Inside pushed themselves to their creative limits, and on “The Great Unknown”, the band paired their mosh-ready anthems with empowering lyrics that turn the “you’re never alone” message into something that never feels phony. “I put my faith in the tried and true. It’s just you and me with nothing to lose.”
#9: The Brave (Fury and the Fallen Ones, 2008)
“There are no sides to choose from, just things to hate. And I for one, hate myself today.”
#8: Avalanche (Dear Youth, 2014)
Time stopped when I broke the chains that bound me.
#7: Engine 45 (Get What You Give, 2012)
“Engine 45” was the signal of The Ghost Inside truly crossing over from being an underground phenomenon, to one of the most popular melodic hardcore bands in existence. A great song backed up by a catchy chorus makes “Engine 45” a must-listen. “This addiction came like a freight train.”
#6: This Is What I Know About Sacrifice/Outlive (Get What You Give, 2012)
The two songs are grouped together because they, well, go together. When I saw The Ghost Inside for the 6th time back in late 2012, they opened with the two songs back to back, and it set the stage for a great night. “This is what I know about sacrifice. Meet me at the crossroads. Let’s go.”
#5: The Conflict (Returners, 2010)
Aside from being probably the best album that Mediaskare Records ever released, 2010’s Returners is probably TGI’s best overall release. On the passionate “The Conflict”, the song fulfills every Christ hardcore kid’s wet dream, featuring an incendiary vocal tradeoff between vocalists Jonathan Vigil and Sleeping Giant’s Tommy Green.
#4: Shiner (Fury and the Fallen Ones, 2008)
“Shiner” is an essential TGI song. “Lines frozen in time, suspended in one place. Bound, and held together. Forever. Another legend lives on.”
#3: Blue And Gold (Fury And The Fallen Ones, 2008)
After hearing this song sometime in 2008, I knew this band would be big. One of their more anthemic songs. I stayed up long nights, staring wide-eyed at the sea. Throwing rocks and yelling but it made a man out of me. Fly the banner, blue and gold.
#2: Chrono (Returners, 2010)
Try not to sing/scream along to this song. You won’t likely succeed. You’re not getting older; you’re just getting old. Also, another great vocal tradeoff between Vigil and Bury Your Dead’s Mat Bruso.
And your finish wears thin as your stories get told.
Yet you’ve somehow impressed her; she’s already sold.
The one page in your book that’s still shining in gold says,
“Wishing for the years to flash by
Has left me blind.
I’m waiting for the few fleeting moments
Where the world makes sense to me.”
#1: White Light (Get What You Give, 2012)
Depending on who your favorite band is, it’s quite likely that same band has a song they’ve written that, while it may or may not be your favorite, crushes your soul completely – whether from a tremendously emotional vocal performance, profound lyrics, or both. “White Light”, the flagship song from The Ghost Inside’s 2012 release Get What You Give, is surely that song. Listen to the song and read the lyrics. I can’t accurately describe how powerful the song is, but it is one of the best, if not the best song(s) the band has ever written.
You left some hope instilled in me
That I never should give up on anything
I know this made you proud of me
So this song remains for those who hurt like me
The man in black. He rides alone to a final destination unknown.
The man in black He rides alone: he’s moving on.
Not coming home.
I used to be the fearless one.
Living each day like death would never come
Now I feel his cold breath on my neck
He’s watching my steps and telling me that I could be next.
Before I used to take these wings and I’d fly so high
(I’d fly so high. I tried…)
Now I live n regret never coming down to say goodbye
Oh why can’t I?
The man in black. He rides alone to a final destination unknown.
The man in black. He rides alone: he’s moving on.
I can’t follow.
I used to be the fearless one.
Living each day like death would never come
Now I feel his cold breath on my neck
He’s watching my steps and telling me that I could be next.
So make way for the man in black
So make way. He’s never coming back.
I am so lost at sea
Ryan, shine the light for me
I’m sinking, I can’t swim
I need you here to pull me in
I am so lost at sea
Ryan, shine your light for me
I’m sinking, I can’t swim
I miss you brother.
You will never dim.
