Album Review: The Ghost Inside - Get What You Give

Get What You Give is The Ghost Inside's first release through Epitaph Records and shows that their brutality, craftsmanship and lyrical abilities have reached new heights. The album was produced by A Day To Remember frontman Jeremy McKinnon and brings to life a dynamic and explosive sounding metal record laced with influences of melodic hardcore. 

The album's first track launches the listener into a tirade of heavy guitars, double kick-drumming and lyrical content that screams “This is what I know about sacrifice/ Meet me at the crossroads/ Let's Go!” followed by a brutal breakdown that makes you want to punch anyone who ever doubted you square in the face. Lyrically, vocalist Jonathan Vigil focuses on varying issues from life on the road to losing everything, motivation and saying 'fuck you' to everyone who ever questioned what you stood for.  However, the album also details the pain and suffering following the death of Vigil's younger brother in the track White Light. Here Vigil declares, “Ryan, shine the light for me/ I'm sinking, I can't swim/ I need you here to pull me in.” This is one of the most honest tracks ever written by TGI as Vigil is screaming for guidance and help; something we can all relate to.

The standout tracks on the album include Outlive, Engine 45, White Light and Deceiver. This fast paced and energetic album showcases the strengths of guitarists Aaron Brocks and Zack Johnson and is an epic debut for new drummer and former For the Fallen Dreams member Andrew Tkaczyk. Get What You Give in short is hard-hitting music, both in sound and meaning, and has declared The Ghost Inside as one of hardcore's premier bands.