Album Review

Ghost in Mirrors – Ryder’s Dismount

• 8th Sep 2009

No-one could accuse anglo-french prog metallers Ghost in Mirrors of a lack of ambition on their self-released debut – there’s only one track under five minutes long and a couple well over seven. Daunting as such sprawling songs are, Ryder’s Dismount never threatens to try the patience.

The opening title track is an intense affair, with a sound that builds all the way, occasionally breaking into something approaching all-out thrash while vocalist French broods on mesmerizingly. “Deadbird”, which follows, is a much more full-on brand of metal with its moshalong chorus and obligatory face-melting shred solo.

Undoubtedly the album’s best cut, “Across the Seas and Oceans” is art metal done very well with beautifully unhinged vocals that convulse over a stark arrangement that lurches slowly, irresistibly, into a thumper of a chorus. In this track the band seem to have successfully captured in audio the suspense and foreboding of a vintage horror movie.

In length, closing track “Sterilised” is Ryder’s… slightest offering by some way, but brings the album to a satisfying denouement via its contrastingly accessible and upbeat sound and yet more stellar vocal work.

For a debut release, Ryder’s Dismount is an incredibly accomplished work, showing a rare ambition matched with evident songwriting talent. Ghost in Mirrors are a well-kept secret, and it’s a secret that needs telling.