Year : 2025
Style : Heavy Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 82 mb
Bio:
Haunt was originally formed by Trevor William Church as a musical project to be worked on alongside his existing band Beastmaker; the project was to take on a traditional metal sound as opposed to Beastmaker's doom metal style. In 2017 Church wrote and recorded Haunt's debut release, the extended play Luminous Eyes, with Daniel Wilson playing drums for the recording. It was first released digitally, as an independent release, but it later received physical releases from the Shadow Kingdom Records label.In 2018, Church wrote and recorded one single for Haunt, Ghosts. Later that same year, Haunt released their first full-length studio album, Burst into Flame. Daniel Wilson returned to play drums for the album, this time as an official band member. Joining Church and Wilson for the album were Matthew Wilhoit on bass and John Tucker on guitar. Both Wilson and Tucker would stay as permanent members, but Wilhoit would be replaced by Taylor Hollman on following releases.In 2019, Haunt released their second EP, (Mosaic Vision) their second studio album, (If Icarus Could Fly) and two split albums. (A Fool's Paradise / On the Streets Again and Sea of Dreams / The Crystal Temple). The following year they released their third and fourth studio albums, titled Mind Freeze and Flashback respectively, as well as the Burst into Demos compilation.
Album:
One of metal / hard rock hardest-working bands out there, HAUNT has become a favorite of this website. From relentlessly creating new music to producing albums for other bands, Haunt never seems to slow down.What we admire most, though, is the driving force behind the band: Trevor Church. His passion for music is unmistakable, but what truly sets him apart is how much time he devotes to connecting with fans. Whether he’s chatting online about his latest songs or just sharing thoughts on life, Trevor comes across as genuine, grounded, and deeply committed—not just to his craft, but to the people who support it.It seems like only moments ago that the band’s very good LO “Dreamers” was released, and yet here we are, already on the cusp of another Haunt record titled “Ignite”. Having followed the band’s journey and experienced their previous albums, we had no doubt that the signature quality and magic would be present.But the real question was—what kind of journey would ”Ignite” take us on this time?In true Haunt fashion we are transported to the stars with opener ‘Extraordinary Life’. The intro is this layered retro synth passage combined with some warm and loving guitar notes that give it this uplifting vibe. We then move into a musical path where we get that classic, majestic classic metal Haunt mix of melodic and quick picking guitar lines. Trevor comes in with his signature vocals; something that we feel always adds this dreamy kind of element to Haunt music. Especially when he takes a softer approach. We even love the little background vocal ideas that he adds in. The lead work is one thing that we think Haunt is known for and ‘Extraordinary Life’ does its so well. From the scaling licks to the soaring ideas in the solo section, there is no shortage of great ideas in this opening track.“Soaring Through The Ages” is up next, and it opens with an effortlessly fluid intro,drifting guitar motifs and cascading drums from Andrew that set a mesmerizing tone. Before long, we’re snapped into motion with brisk, intricate picking and melodic phrases that burrow into your ears and take hold of your imagination. Trevor’s velvety vocals glide in, seamlessly continuing that emotive thread. There’s something innately comforting about Haunt’s music—like a warm hug in sonic form. It just lifts you, puts a smile on your face, and makes everything feel alright.From the first strike of the drums from Andrew and the hypnotic pull of its repeating main riff, ‘EvenTide’ instantly immerses the listener in Haunt’s signature blend of melodic metal and classic rock warmth. The track opens with a rhythmic pulse—kick, snare, kick, snare—that lays a steady foundation, allowing the song’s bright textures and shifting tempos to ebb and flow like waves. Melodic guitar harmonies weave in and out of the mix with effortless grace, sailing alongside Trevor William Church’s ever-inviting vocals. Meanwhile, the chorus lifts off with anthemic “woah-ohs” that feel tailor-made for live singalongs; an irresistible invitation for fans to join in.From the moment the opening notes of ‘Early Grave’ hits, this track weaves an enticing blend of notable melodies and a subtly intense riff that instantly grabs attention. Warm, bright harmonies spill forth in a flurry of well-placed notes, and the production choices amplify every shimmer and shift with finesse. Treavor’s signature silky smooth vocals slide into the first verse, melting seamlessly into the arrangement.The title track “Ignite” wastes no time in launching into a barrage of heavy, stomping riffs, built to grip the listener from the first bar and coax them into full-throttle headbanging. There’s an immediacy here, a no-nonsense momentum that sets the tone with absolute intent. Tucked within the rhythmic phrasing are subtle, fluttering riff tails which add a delicate touch that contrasts nicely with the otherwise muscular drive.‘Not The Same’ grabs your attention with its lead guitar from Trevor and Joel slicing through with scaling runs and spitting sparks. The rhythm section drops in like a sledgehammer, heavy and commanding, laying the groundwork for the band’s signature groove. Verses pulse with that unmistakable Haunt flair, while Trevor’s vocals shine bright: bold, energetic, and full of presence, injecting the track with vivid momentum.Shattered Past kicks off with expansive open chords and flickering ride cymbal touches, setting a cinematic tone before an electrifying solo injects a jolt of excitement. From there, the song settles into a verse driven by tight, chugging rhythms and clean, unpretentious vocals that glide with effortless clarity.The halftime bridge brings a welcome shift in pace with melodies that seem to drift like smoke, and the lyrics float with a subtle introspective touch. Notably, the bass lines from Sam Harman shine here, rippling through the mix with standout finesse. The chorus bursts forward with the phrase “Face the fear,” each line initiated by shouted group vocals that contrast beautifully with the otherwise controlled and smooth delivery.‘Long Cold Lonely Winter’ opens with crisp snare and hi-hat accents, setting a forward motion that’s confident yet unhurried. There’s a looseness in the footwork that feels organic, grounding the track while the guitar lines stretch outward with a cool, atmospheric clarity that reflects the song’s title. The verse continues in that understated vein; fluid, slightly raw, and punctuated by pinched harmonics that add a haunting edge. Chugging riffs build tension before making way for rapid picking that gently lifts the song into the chorus.‘With Our Angel’ roars to life with commanding open chords and carefully measured drum fills, immediately establishing a sense of space and drama. A slightly fuzzy riff hums from the right speaker, weaving a subtle texture beneath the surface. As the verse kicks in, the pace lifts and the rhythm section locks in with precision; guitar and bass united in their drive while Trevor’s vocals glide in smooth, deliberate lines.‘If I Said Good Night’ closes the record with a reflective shift in tone, opening on gentle acoustic strums and contemplative ideas that soon intertwine with bursts of crashing guitars. There’s a palpable weight in the arrangement, adding a layer of power without disrupting the introspective mood. Immediately, the track sets itself apart; slower, more spacious, and quietly emotional. Trevor’s vocals respond to shimmering lead licks that pierce the mix in brief jolts, like memories surfacing unexpectedly.From the electrifying rush of “Extraordinary Life” to the introspective calm of “If I Said Good Night,” Haunt delivers a masterclass in emotional storytelling through sound. Each track builds on the last, revealing a band that moves seamlessly between urgency and serenity, grit and grace.Trevor William Church’s unmistakable vocals anchor the journey, weaving through blistering guitar work, acoustic reprieves, and dynamic shifts with a confidence that never overshadows sincerity.Haunt has never sounded more complete, and this record doesn’t just mark a step forward; it carves out a space worth revisiting, again and again.
Line Up:
Trevor William Church - Vocals, Guitar, Bass - See also: Beastmaker, Hysteria, ex-Inside the Sun, ex-Worship of Keres, ex-Wolf Ghost
Andy Lei - Guitars
Sammy Harman - Bass
Andres Alejandro Saldate - Drums (2020-present) - See also: Beastmaker
Tracklist:
01. Extraordinary Life
02. Soaring Through The Ages
03. Eventide
04. Early Grave
05. Ignite
06. Not The Same
07. Shattered Past
08. Long Cold Lonely Winter
09. With Our Angel
10. If I Said Goodnight
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
