“Canadian rage.” I had a difficult time putting those words together. Maybe “Canadian disappointment” or “Extreme Canadian finger-pointing.” I think I just didn’t know the right Canadians. I was recently provided with proof there is full-on vehemence in Canada. This aforementioned rage is actually called “Grave Maker” and actual proof exists within an album called Ghosts Among Men. See how bad stereotyping is, kids? I thought all Canadians were timid, but smart programmers. I should get out of the office more.

Ghosts Among Men is Grave Maker’s second full-length release but has the feel of a release from a more seasoned band. By “seasoned” I mean a band like Hatebreed who’s been hardcoring for sixteen years. Yes, I mean to write this album is that well done. This album is twelve hit-and-run length songs, clocking in at about twenty-eight minutes. Grave Maker doesn’t even buy you breakfast before they are out the door, but you won’t care.

Grave Maker’s lineup is Wayne (Drums), Jon (Vocals), Cole (Guitar), and Bailey (Bass). The band has a clean, but not overly-produced thrash. There is an abundance of memorable hooks and overall musicianship is more than competent. Jon’s vocals are near-perfect hardcore shouts. I’m particularly fond of Bailey’s bass; I like me some woop-ass bass playing. I’m betting if I saw these guys live, they would vibrate me into another dimension.

From the opening title track to the final song, Ghosts Among Men is an assault on all that’s peaceful in the world. “Ghosts Among Men” is the perfect opener and one of my favorites from the album. “Vlad the Impaler” is another standout track. I thought the title was a little too obvious at first, but a quick search on Gracenote proved that only Kasabian and Gwar have recorded a songs called “Vlad the Impaler”. I’m amazed. “Vlad the Impaler” should be every metal band’s staple. Gwar and Grave Maker are leaving everybody behind.

“Dead or Alive” repeats a moment appearing in the first Grave Maker release, Bury Me at Sea. Jon shares vocals with (who I assume is) Cole and their exchange reminds me of early Beastie Boys. This is both amusing and awesome. “Sever Thy Head” and “Broken Bones” are a couple of tracks full of the album’s most brutal guitar work. The closing track, “Never Be Like You”, has a really nice surprise at the end I won’t ruin. However, I will say this to the band: more please.

Ghosts Among Men is epic by design. The creepy, haunted Viking on the album artwork, the mega racket in each track, and the bigger-than-life narrative prep this album to crash ashore and raze your village. I think Ghosts Among Men would make the perfect soundtrack to any Richard K. Morgan novel, especially The Steel Remains. Fair warning: listening to this album will probably cost you a 10 dB hearing loss. Again, you won’t care.

4.5/5