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Monday, October 10, 2011

I Am Ghost - Lover's Requiem

Back when I created this blog I said that TuneJunkie would not only be for new albums, but for older albums as well. Its time to make good on that statement. Today is the 5 year anniversary of Lover's Requiem's release, October, 10 2006.
Lover's Requiem was the debut full length album of a band that simply cannot be classified under one genre, or three for that matter, I Am Ghost. I Am Ghost was brought into existence in 2004 by Steven Juliano, the band's lead singer. He brought many different artists with different talents together to create a sound that had never before been heard. Juliano describes Lover's Requiem, "It’s essentially a rock opera but for hardcore or goth kids." And rock opera is pretty much the only way to describe it considering all the different elements it brings to the table.

The band was made up of Steven Juliano - lead vocalist, Kerith Telestai - female vocalist and violinist, Brian Telestai - bassist, Timoteo Rosales III - lead guitarist, Victor Angel Camarena - drummer, and Gabe Iraheta - rhythm guitarist. Sadly in the summer of 2007 Kerith and Brian Telestai both announced that they were leaving the band. Bassist and vocalist Ron Ficarro joined I Am Ghost that year. Eventually all members of the band besides Juliano and Rosales were replaced.

I Am Ghost released 3 albums and an EP before their breakup in the summer of 2010. And one could only wish that they had released more. It made me very sad to see such an influential, amazing and different band go.


Now back to the album itself, Lover's Requiem. This album is, in my opinion, the best of the bunch. There are so many different musical elements all packed into one source, yet all stand out and have their own impact. This album is a masterpiece and is terribly underrated. There is the contrast between male and female vocals, near seamless use of both violin and guitar, elements of opera, indie, hardcore, pop, punk, and gothic rock. There is something in this album for pretty much everyone and if you only give one album on my site a shot, listen to this one.



Lover's Requiem tracklist:

"Crossing the River Styx" – 1:56
"Our Friend Lazarus Sleeps" – 2:55
"Killer Likes Candy" – 3:33
"Dark Carnival of the Immaculate" – 3:15
"Pretty People Never Lie, Vampires Never Really Die" – 4:32
"Of Masques and Martyrs" – 3:37
"Lovers' Requiem" – 4:15
"We Are Always Searching" – 3:28
"The Ship of Pills and Needed Things" – 3:44
"The Denouement" – 3:18
"This Is Home" – 4:26
"Beyond the Hourglass" – 6:01
"The Malediction" – 3:47


TunkJunkie's Overall Rating for Lover's Requiem:


This album is just amazing. Thats all there is to it. Maybe it isn't quite your thing. But even if not you still have to admire their uniqueness and ability to seamlessly incorporate so many different sounds and genres. This album is well worth your time. I can about guarantee it.

Suggested tracks from Lover's Requiem:

2. "Our Friend Lazarus Sleeps"
7. "Lovers' Requiem"
8. "We Are Always Searching"
11. "This Is Home"
12. "Beyond the Hourglass"

YouTube Video of I Am Ghost - Lover's Requiem:


Post By: Tune Junkie