I Am Ghost CD review

Of all the bands missing from the “For Fans Of” sticker on I Am Ghosts’ debut, one sticks out: Queensrÿche.

As we move further and further from the pop metal paradigm, retaining only those bands that amused us for inclusion in the time capsule (Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi), the musical aesthetic’s death has been greatly exaggerated. I Am Ghost’s penchant for single-string runs, upper-baritone choruses, and melodic solos bears all the hallmarks of Maiden/prog devotees The Rÿche. Granted, where the ’89 version catered to the operatic vocals of the time, I Am Ghost hang 10 with their anthemic skate buddies. More or less, however, this is the less visceral, more “mental” — read into that what you will — version. Hush now, don’t you cry, dude.