It’s safe to say Guerrilla Ghost is having itself a year. Back in April, the politically-pointed industrial hip-hop duo composed of vocalist Bad Graphics Ghost and producer Tron Jovi released its excellent third album Hell Is Empty And All The Devils Are Here. That release was quickly followed by a multi-artist remix album, Reimagined Hellscapes, in May as well as a flurry of festival gigs and lofty local support slots alongside noted performers throughout the summer. For most projects, that level of output would be more than enough for one calendar year. However, Guerrilla Ghost isn’t most projects.
On Friday, November 11, Guerrilla Ghost will add to its most accomplished year yet with the release of Dying. The nine-song effort marks the group’s second album (and third release including the remix record) of 2022. Though the album quickly followed up its pair of predecessors, it finds Guerrilla Ghost confidently taking their socially-centered sound to new territory. Tracks like “Eight Of Cups” and “Hanged Man” sees Bad Graphics Ghost showcasing lyrics and a delivery that’s as brash and nimble as ever. Meanwhile, his bars about America’s ongoing societal collapse (“Hell’s only an election away”) are bolstered by Tron Jovi’s top-notch production that perfectly suits the seriousness and severity of the songs’ subject matter. For the first time ever, this Guerrilla Ghost release features “tape loops” hand-crafted by Tron Jovi—a skill he picked up during the latter part of lockdown—that serve to add sonic depth and distinction to songs like Dying standout track “Wayfairer” among others.
In addition to the dynamic duo’s contributions, Guerrilla Ghost is joined on Dying by an eclectic cast of featured artists. Milwaukee rapper Mad Static makes his presence known on “Hierophant” and Denver musician Katana da Don guests on “Pervavor.” Ashley Graham and Rio Lanza also added accompanying melodies to a few of the album’s offerings. All told, Dying shows Guerrilla Ghost artistically flourishing while emphatically addressing the state of affairs in an ever-worsening world. It’s debatable, but this could be their best work yet…at least until they probably put out another impressive release in early 2023.
Before Dying is released on CD and digital platforms via Triple Eye Industries on November 11, you can listen to the album in its entirety below. You can also hear Guerrilla Ghost perform songs from the forthcoming album tonight (Monday, November 7) when they play in support of Duma, ONO, and Masma Dream World at Cactus Club.