An 11 year time line courtesy of Ghost Avenue’s Facebook page gives a lot of insight into the trials and tribulations this Norwegian metal band has been through. Lineup changes, location maneuvers, and finally having to change band names (originally known as Ghost) can be setbacks that take time and energy to recover from. Fortunately for the quintet, they recently signed a record deal with Pitch Black Records, so this self-titled album is almost a re-birth or reawakening for the group.
Vocalist Kim Sandvik and guitarist Oystein Wilk have been with Ghost Avenue since its 2002 inception, and form a strong traditional melodic team with an affinity for the 1980’s scene- catchy chorus work, loads of twin guitar harmonies and this sense of streamlined arrangements that keep your head bobbing and toes tapping. The opening chord sequence of “Ghost Avenue” feels like something Judas Priest would develop during their 1980-1982 years, while later on you hear a run very similar to “2 Minutes to Midnight”. “The Hunt” on the other hand is more basic hard rock, something I would expect from early Dokken or Black ‘N Blue, the rhythm section offering some cool back and forth instrumental segments against the main riff. “All I Can Say” is a multi-faceted ballad, combining tender acoustic guitar work with an electric harmony build up, giving Kim plenty of chance to showcase his emotional range and go up and down his obvious metal register.
Is Ghost Avenue the most original metal band on the planet? Probably not- I’m sure there are many songs on this self-titled 11 song effort that you can pick out where there reference/ influence points come up. Kim’s range has a lot of Pretty Maids and Skid Row in terms of attitude, and I do think the good outweighs the bad in terms of songwriting and performances.
One for children of the 80’s to air guitar to or throw fists in the air about.
Matt Coe, HMS
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