Release date: August 13th 2025

Haunt is a standout name in the traditional metal scene and, in my opinion, one of the hardest-working bands out there. From relentlessly creating new music to producing albums for other bands, Haunt never seems to slow down. What I 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 was during a conversation with Trevor that he shared with me the next Haunt album, “Ignite”—and I have to admit, I felt genuinely honoured to be among the first to hear it. It seems like only moments ago that “Dreamers” was released, and yet here we are, already on the cusp of another Haunt record. Having followed the band’s journey and experienced their previous albums, I had no doubt that the signature quality and magic would be present. But the real question was—what kind of journey would Ignite take me on this time?

Review

In true Haunt fashion we are transported to the stars with 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 passage where we get that classic, majestic Haunt mix of melodic and quick picking guitar lines. It just makes me feel excited and enthused for what is to come. Trevor comes in with his signature vocals; something that I feel always adds this dreamy kind of element to Haunt music. Especially when he takes a softer approach. I even love the little background vocal ideas that he adds in. The transitions into each section feel effortless and I think this is helped by the way the guitars move from quick picking to more open guitar ideas. The break in pacing is there but not enough to make it sound drastic. The lead work is one thing that I 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 mesmerising 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.

The track brims with tiny intricacies particularly the flourishes at the end of phrases and how each element locks perfectly in sync. Those gentler interludes bring a touch of magic, breaking up the song’s driving pace with subtle elegance. The solo arrives with jubilant flair, unleashing a whirlwind of scales and notes.The harmonies are a true highlight—I’m especially fond of how they elevate the track’s emotional depth. It’s easy to see why the band selected this as one of the early releases from the album. You just know you’ll be heading home with a grin on your face, lyrics in hand, ready to prep for the next Haunt gig.

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. His delivery continues to radiate warmth and comfort, grounding the track even as the instrumentation soars. There’s a timeless quality to his voice which is familiar yet fresh. It draws the listener in and holds them close.

The main riff is a standout, etching itself into memory with its infectious phrasing and subtle power. It’s the kind of motif that lingers long after the song ends. Meanwhile, the chorus lifts off with anthemic “woah-ohs” that feel tailor-made for live singalongs; an irresistible invitation for fans to join in.When we hit the solo section the rhythms surge with unwavering drive, the lead guitar solo unfurls like a flare on the horizon, radiant and untamed. It doesn’t just dazzle; it deepens the emotional current of the track, lifting the listener higher while staying tethered to the song’s warm, melodic heart. What truly sets Even Tide apart is its dynamic pacing. Haunt masterfully shifts between faster and slower tempos, creating a sense of movement and momentum that mirrors the song’s title. It’s a journey that is buoyant, bright, and undeniably Haunt.

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. His delivery feels effortless, his voice not just sitting on top of the music but moving within it. The bridge introduces a sense of urgency, driven by sharp riffs and snare rolls that add height and motion, setting up a flowing chorus that carries emotional momentum without losing its melodic grip.

Post-chorus, a brief but dazzling solo flares like a firework; short-lived yet striking. The rhythm work that follows for the next verse stands out, packing that unmistakable “Haunt” style, complete with harmonics tucked at the end of phrases like haunting echoes. A second bridge renews the tension, leading once again into another luminous chorus, each one blooming brighter than the last. Then comes the acoustic section, and it’s nothing short of beautiful. Gentle, soothing, and strikingly intimate, it feels like stepping into sunlight. A solo floats above it, radiant and tender as if warmth itself was given a melody. This magic spills into cascading riffs that rise and recede before the final chorus closes things with a sense of completion.

While the musical palette glows with light and energy, there’s an underlying contrast; lyrical undertones that hint at something more shadowed, more introspective. That tension between brightness and depth gives the track real dimension.

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. Trevor’s entrance arrives amid crushing chords, his vocal melody weaving delicately across the surface before lifting into an unexpectedly bright and airy bridge. It’s here that the track begins to shift shape, trading the brute force of its opening for something more emotive and expansive. The chorus hits with the refrain “In the darkness, ignite tonight”—a line both gentle and resolute; echoed by reflective backing phrases that expand the mood without overshadowing it.

As the structure cycles into another thunderous verse, it becomes clear this isn’t a one-note offering. The repetition of the bridge and chorus brings familiar ground, but the simplicity of the chorus lyrics; memorable and easily chanted cements their singalong appeal.Yet the true centrepiece emerges in the solo section. Tempo accelerates, the solo breaks free like a flare in open skies; brief but spectacular, leaving a glowing trail in its wake. The track then strips away to its acoustic bones, allowing Trevor to revisit the chorus with renewed intimacy. This momentary vulnerability gives the final chorus, now subtly brightened, an added dimension—a gentle lift that closes the track with finesse.

From the first note of Not The Same, Haunt wastes no time grabbing 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. The bridge switches gears with a slick kick-snare combo and halftime feel, a subtle but effective shift that keeps things engaging. Then comes the chorus flowing effortlessly, as Haunt always delivers, with shouted lines that echo through and shift at the end just enough to keep you guessing. A fiery solo breaks up the structure before the band returns to familiar terrain, building toward a stripped-down breakdown: acoustic guitars sync with an intricate snare pattern, locking in tight as Trevor’s softened vocals ease the track into its final solo; tonally fresh and perfectly tailored to its moment. The song wraps with an extended chorus, Trevor belting out the refrain one last time, driving it home with unmistakable fire.

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. It’s a dynamic interplay that keeps things intense yet refined.Next comes a solo rich with flair taps, scales, and a particularly expressive tone that elevates the track’s emotional depth. When the second verse arrives, the doubled vocal lines add heft and resonance, giving the narrative an extra layer of urgency.

With the bridge and chorus returning, the song transitions smoothly into a breakdown that’s more measured than explosive. Guitar phrases repeat with a hypnotic flow, accompanied by steady snare and tom rolls that add texture rather than chaos. There’s an understated melodic line that lingers, leading into bold vocal shouts and sweeping chords that carry a sense of emotional gravity. A brief, spirited solo then ties everything together, offering a final spark before the track fades out.

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 intro unfolds with a spacious quality, giving each instrument room to settle before the verse steps in. The verse continues in that understated vein; fluid, slightly raw, and punctuated by pinched harmonics that add a haunting edge. The guitar work doesn’t just accompany; it converses with the rhythm, shifting subtly as the track heads into a weightier bridge. Chugging riffs build tension before making way for rapid picking that gently lifts the song into the chorus.

The chorus commands attention with assertive drums and tightly woven riffs, but it never overwhelms. There’s melody folded between the lines, and Trevor’s vocals, smooth and rich float above the instrumentation, lending warmth to the colder sonic landscape. We return to another cycle of verse, bridge, and chorus before the song takes a reflective turn in the breakdown. Echoing vocals and intricate snare patterns gently steer the mood, while the guitars climb with steady intention. A solo emerges, drenched in reverb and laced with hints of experimentation, less a spotlight than a dialogue with the emotion beneath. The final passage is a thoughtful coda: soft vocals paired with acoustic guitars that feel almost tender, closing the track with an unexpected intimacy. It’s a moment of calm after the chill, and it leaves its mark.

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.

The bridge maintains this confident flow, keeping the momentum grounded. When the chorus hits, the tempo pulls back, revolving around a hypnotic three-chord progression paired with the song’s titular lyric. It’s a clever contrast, setting the stage for what follows: a buoyant, harmonised solo that dances across vibrant, bouncy drumming.

From there, we’re brought into another verse where the energy hasn’t faded, followed by a familiar bridge and chorus sequence. The track then nods back to its intro, breaking down into an intricate snare-led section where the opening riff re-emerges, this time with deeper emotional resonance. A slow, expressive solo carries raw feeling and sharp intent, providing one of the song’s most moving moments before the final chorus brings everything to a stirring close.

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.

The verses lean into stripped-down acoustic patterns; simple, deliberate, and effective while the chorus builds emotional momentum through repeated vocal refrains. There’s no flashy guitar theatrics here, but that restraint feels intentional; the song’s strength lies in its atmosphere, not its virtuosity. As it unfolds, it evokes the sensation of drifting atop a bed of clouds—soft, surreal, and dreamlike until it finds a gentle anchor in the airy ‘woahs’ that close it out.

Conclusion

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.

Whether it’s the nostalgic shimmer of “Soaring Through The Ages,” the fiery momentum of “Ignite,” or the wintery solitude of “Long Cold Lonely Winter,” Haunt invites listeners into a sonic space where raw energy and melodic craftsmanship coexist. They don’t just perform; they communicate, offering each song as a carefully composed postcard from the heart of their creative universe.

As the album comes full circle with “Our Angel” and “If I Said Good Night,” the band closes not with spectacle, but with purpose. It’s a finale that resonates quietly but profoundly, reminding us that behind the solos and soaring choruses lies a band deeply committed to connection. 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.

TheNwothm Score: 9/10

Links

Bandcamp:https://hauntthenation.bandcamp.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hauntthenation

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hauntthenation/

Label:https://churchrecordings.bandcamp.com/