Grayscale- When the Ghosts Are Gone

Finland's Grayscale combine heavy melodic rock of the goth variety with more straightforward metal on their 2002 release When the Ghosts are Gone. Balancing distorted guitar riffing with melodic lead guitar work, the band's sound is anchored by driving bass and drums and filled out by nice keyboard sections that range from atmospheric synth strings to more intricate piano parts to the occasional pulsating arpeggio. The vocals of frontman Lasse Harma stylistically vary from melodic goth rock deliveries to whispers to guttural metal growls. The result is a solid effort that manages to successfully combine moody, emotive rock with intense, heavier metal elements.

The 9 track album, clocking in at under 40 minutes, generally falls on the side of heavy goth rock or goth metal. The driving bass and distorted guitar riffing of "The World Today" and "A Dead Season" are, in both cases, countered by moody synths, melodic vocals, and almost catchy choruses. "Gray Singer" features an even catchier chorus and a piano foundation beneath strong guitar work, while "Squeeze" is the most metal-oriented track on the disc, with Harma growling over rhythmic distorted power chords before hitting a moody, melodic chorus. "The Fire Inside Me" and "Absent" are both strong, moody offerings, with the former being a more straightforward goth rock track and the latter being a lighter track with whispered vocals that unexpectedly explodes into a heavier offering with growled vocals. "Shape in the Shadows" is an excellent, relatively upbeat number, while the following "Cast Aside" is an equally good slice of melodic, moody goth rock/metal with reverb-drenched vocals and a great up-tempo bridge. Things end on a quieter note with the swirling synths, clean guitars, and plodding drums of the short but beautifully bittersweet title track.

While Grayscale's sonic formula isn't necessarily original, it's well executed and consistent. When the Ghosts are Gone is, ultimately, an excellent, well written, performed, and produced album that is sure to please fans of heavier goth rock and melodic goth metal.