Here is some hardcore music that will make you smile

Released in 2014, The Ghost Inside’s latest album “Dear Youth” will make you bang your head with a motivated smile. Now in his 30s, vocalist Jonathan Vigil states the album is a message of inspiration to his younger self, to everyone in the world feeling they are unable to do what they want.

The album begins with “Avalanche”, which is a powerful song that immediately resonates the message of the album, that your will is stronger than adversity. The song often serves as the band’s opening song at concerts, as its chorus urges fans to participate with a battle cry.

The album continues with heavier, but uplifting tracks like “Dear Youth” and “Wide Eyed” that will guarantee a sense of importance in your life. Wide Eyed is a personal favorite of mine due to its dynamic energy throughout and finishes with the most beautiful vocal performance I’ve heard in any heavy song. The song’s climax features vocalist Jason Butler, of Letlive, as he displays a vocal range that is comparable to Michael Jackson.

But track four titled “Mercy” is arguably the heaviest song in “Dear Youth” as it deals with being stronger than your adversities. At the song’s buildup, Vigil violently screams “Life’s swinging hard, but I’m swinging harder” and the song slows into a “break down”, encouraging listeners to take life by storm.

Knowing  what they went through, everyone   should  get the same  chills  I  had  while watching TGI play this song live in 2019. In 2015, the band suffered from a tragic bus crash that killed the driver, and severely injured the band. Andrew Tkaczyk, the band’s drummer, lost his right leg while most of the band had to relearn how to walk again.

The album covers topics such as depression and teenage suicide, but because of their genre, the band’s biggest stage to spread their uplifting message is Warped Tour. That is not to say these guys aren’t talented. While most popular bands depend on ghost writers and instrumental backtracks, TGI writes all their own work.

Overall, “Dear Youth” is an album that I wish more people listened to, especially in today’s world where everyone feels overwhelmed by life. While people assume hardcore music is for people with violent desires, “Dear Youth” stomps the stigma by spreading an beautiful message and spreads awareness about teenage suicide.

Step outside your comfort zone and listen to this album. 

I recommend starting off with Wide Eyed, and even if you don’t like it, you will love the message.