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

Theory of a Deadman - The Truth Is... Review

On July 12th of this year, Theory of a Deadman released their 4th album, titled The Truth Is... Well whats "the truth" about The Truth Is...? Keep reading to find out.

Theory of a Deadman has been together since 2001. The alternate rock band out of Canada currently has 4 studio albums and if things continue as they are The Truth Is... will be the most successful of them all. The Truth Is... sold over 8,500 copies in the first week as compared to 6,000 from their last album Scars and Souvenirs. It debuted #2 on the Canadian Album Charts. Since then it has went to rank #2 on the Billboard Rock, Hard Rock, and Alternative Rock Charts. But is this album really worthy of such high rankings?

Well, in short, coming from someone who hasn't ever been a big fan of Theory of a Deadman, yes, yes it is. The entire album is good. It has it's highs and lows just like any album, however, something that rarely ever gets achieved anymore has been by The Truth Is... There is no need to skip around through tracks to find a good one. Many new albums have 2 or 3 hits and the rest of the album is more or less filler. Who actually wants to buy an album like that? The Truth Is... is not like this. Even the bonus material is worth listening to. Not only this but not every song is the same old thing like some other albums. No, they managed to change it up, throwing in different instruments, melodies, and sounds. Simply put, the album is a work of art.

The Truth Is... tracklist:
1. "Lowlife"                                                    3:25
2. "Bitch Came Back"                                    3:39
3. "Hurricane"                                                4:17
4. "Out Of My Head"                                      3:57
5. "Gentleman"                                              3:28
6. "Love Is Hell"                                             3:31
7. "The Truth Is... (I Lied About Everything)"     3:27
8. "Head Above Water"                                  3:32
9. "Drag Me To Hell"                                      3:54
10. "What Was I Thinking"                             3:50
11. "Easy To Love You"                                 4:19
12. "We Were Men"                                      4:46

Tune Junkie's overall score for The Truth Is...:

I just have to give this album a full 5 stars. From beginning to end it is good. Its catchy, original, has good solos, changes pace when needed, and has pretty good lyrics. What is not to like? If you like alternative rock, check this album out. Now.

Suggested tracks from The Truth Is...:
4. Out of My Head
7. The Truth Is... (I Lied About Everything)
10. What Was I Thinking
12. We We're Men
Bonus Track - Out of My Head (Acoustic)

Music Video for Theory of a Deadman - Lowlife:


Post By: Tune Junkie