At a time when faith in the systems that govern society is at an all-time low, and the world appears to be edging towards an economic, ecological and social disaster, The Five Hundred return with Ghostwriter and their damning brand of politically inspired experimental rock to soundtrack our downfall.
The Five Hundred – Ghostwriter (Prime Collective)
Release Date: Out Now
Words: Matt Pratt
The Five Hundred are no strangers to reflecting on current affairs. With a finger on the pulse, their last album, A World On Fire, went on to paint a bleak picture of our post-pandemic world, as you may have guessed from the title. Unfortunately, the world did not heed their musical warning, and the band has returned to reinforce their outlook with a new record, Ghostwriter.
The first thing to note, as the band enters the next phase of their evolution, is the artwork assigned to their fresh release. Gone are the intricate swishes and flicks of the fiery, gothic piece that accompanied their last release. Instead, this is replaced by a much more bleak, brutalist look.
The artwork, which remains stylistically consistent through both the album and individual single covers, could be compared visually to Muse’s 2015 album art for Drones, an album which has a comparably condemning view on the ruling powers and the consequences of their actions.
The oppressive themes established by the artwork are immediately reflected in the sound of the album, too. The first track, The Death Of All We Know, begins not with a guitar riff or gnarly bassline as you may expect from a band who draw from heavy metal roots, but with a synthetic melody that gives visions of the 1982 sci-fi classics Tron or Blade Runner.
The imagery summoned by this intro is fitting. The two iconic films focus on themes of oppressive powers running a rigged system in a dystopic world.
The Five Hundred have expressed their wish to avoid trapping themselves in the box of any one particular genre, believing some genres to have become a catchall for those who refrain from being more analytical of what they are hearing, and it feels appropriate not to assign any one genre to Ghostwriter.
The experienced band, who can now boast a total of three albums and three EPs, have forged a unique identity that lends from many corners of the musical spectrum. The underlying rhythm of the new album leans more towards a traditional feel with what could be packaged Progressive Metal or even djent in composition, reminiscent of the works of Meshuggah or Dream Theatre.
These foundations are overlaid by an electronic influence that one could compare with pioneering electronic Metal legends Nine Inch Nails and paired with a vocal performance that leans in the directions of iconic vocalists Chester Bennington, Amy Lee and Myles Kennedy.
The compilation insists upon being listened to in full and in order on account of its seamless flow and interconnected story. This acts as both a strength for the album presentation but also, unfortunately, as a weakness in the modern digital shuffle environment.
There is great irony in the thought that this artistic criticism of the current state of society and the systems we accept is damaged by the socially accepted means of media consumption.
The Five Hundred, who have remained fiercely independent, have done well to produce a sound in the studio that presents so rich and deep. The songs toy with the senses as they create an almost three dimensional atmosphere with audio that feels as though it has an associated direction or is travelling through a unique medium.
The fifth track, named In The Dark, has been heavily featured in the marketing for the record and features a distant screeching siren that makes you feel as though you were listening in the centre of a broad arena.
Whereas track number eight, Empty Hope, features an intro which dampens the musical elements creating the illusion that you are listening from inside a bubble. These clever musical features stress the maturity of the creators who have cemented their identity with the release of this standout album.
“With Ghostwriter,” the band said, “we invite you to confront the darkest aspects of human nature and explore the depths of existential despair. Brace yourself for an immersive musical experience that will leave you haunted and shaken to the core as you navigate the treacherous waters of a world on the brink of collapse.”
Ghostwriter has already been met with an upgraded capacity performance in their hometown and sizeable dates around the country to follow. As the band take the next leap in their career, this album looks to spearhead their approach and demand the respect of industry leaders, driving them into the forefront of the scene and spreading the good word of their exciting, melodic experience.
If you have the opportunity to catch the Nottingham outfit as they tour their spectacular release, you simply must.
However, if you do not get the opportunity this time round, you are sure to see them at a significantly larger venue near you in the not-too-distant future as they proceed with great strides.
