The Sun Sets on Our War Torn Planet in Sundown, by Beyond the Ghost

Beyond the Ghost delivers the third album in the Europa series, an aural, droning conceptualization of a futuristic Europe embroiled in war. Composer Pierre LaPlace has delivered a bleak, immersive world not only of despair and violence, but also the intrepid and indomitable human spirit. While the narratives of these albums immediately cast a dour pall upon the listener’s interpretation, further reading also reveals that while society collapses, and while resources are being constantly battled over, there is always a resolute faction of humanity within these albums, fighting for survival. The results and consequences, of course, are left to the listener; left to the ears of the beholder, of course. Sundown is no different, and this time, our narrative hovers over the war-torn city of Rome in the year 2062. The Alliance is battling those who have joined The Resistance, and the landscape is just as much a victim as those who populate it.

Opening with speculative vocals pads, and tremulous string drones that foretell the audio diorama unfolding before your eyes, the movie of your mind begins to coalesce into establishing camera shots of vistas of warfare below, the crumbling ruins of near-future Rome below your field of view, embroiled in war. Eerie string textures are interrupted by metallic scrapes, which unfold into droning pads cadenced with electronic rhythms and drums. Sundown is eschewed to subsequent tracks by the lush voice of guest vocalist, Capucine Meens. This is one of the most “musical” albums from Beyond the Ghost, with structured songs and leitmotif weaving within and without the ambience.

Beyond the Ghost projects are exquisite in offering a high concept storytelling; the world building of the album narratives give the listener just enough information to formulate their own mental backdrop, and the nuanced music that accompanies blend to create atmospheres the likes of which no one can imitate. You can experience the war-torn future of Sundown from Beyond the Ghost in CD Digipak and digital format on the Cryo Chamber Bandcamp page.