Hola Ghost Review and Interview With Peter Sandorff - The Man They Couldn’t Hang… (Surf-Rock-Mexican Death Metal)

Product Link

https://www.holaghost.com

The Man They Couldn't Hang... is Hola Ghost's second album. The band's label, Hola Pete Records, released it on vinyl in 2009 and reissued it by Svart Records in 2019. It's back on two vinyl variants: red/black splatter and transparent red. 

Hola Ghost was formed as a duo by Peter Sandorff (ex-Nekromantix and Mad Sin) and long-time friend Jeppe B. Jessen to work on the soundtrack for LA-bound artist Gris Grimlys' debut movie, Cannibal Flesh Riot. 

Hola Ghost's Mexican Death Metal is in full bloom on this killer vinyl release. I've labeled it Rock, Metal, and Surf with a Spanish flavor, but none of these descriptors work. The unique blend of these genres is a testament to the band's versatility and will surely pique your interest.

What I appreciated the most was how they layered their sound, particularly with the guitar. The many changes they make are impressive and entertaining, and they do it skillfully throughout this recording.

Side A begins with their theme song, "Hola Ghost." The driving surf-tinged opener features elements of Spanish flavor and breaks by guitar picking back and forth to the faster parts. The energetic rhythm section makes this a great starter and introduction to the band's sound, leaving you salivating for the next one.

"Spanish Moon" has a strumming guitar beginning for this semi-ballad. The horns from hell enter the picture, then a momentary lapse of sounds, it kicks into higher gear with a faster tempo, and then it reverts to the more mellow atmosphere with the guitars weaving their spell, swaying back and forth. The instrumental section, effects-filled guitar, incredible drums, and bass, do their job and then return to the beginning.

"The Man They Couldn't Hang" is a personal favorite. The catchy guitar licks form a soundtrack to a classic Western film, and the dark subject matter adds depth to the track. This standout piece is just one of the many gems waiting to be discovered on this album.

"Mulo Esqueleto Volante" (translated Flying Skeleton Mule) starts cranking with their trademark Spanish flavorings. Of course, the surf rock guitar is rocking. A woman is speaking in Spanish throughout. Otherwise, this is an absolute banger instrumental. I loved the guitar effects.

"Marguerita" is another one that became one of my instant favorites. It segues from the previous track, so it's a nice transition. The guitars and horns merge to create the Spanish storm, with the music blazing hot for this woman who is the subject of the man's great affection. Guitars are charging all the time, and all at a rapid pace. This is a rockin' love song. It slows down at the end and fades out, but I don't think his love for Marguerita does.

"Alligator Girl" is a short run with some interesting lyrics. A soft acoustic guitar song about another woman moves along sweetly for his alligator girl. It catches you off guard and is an unexpected way to end the first side of the LP.

"Stay Awake" jumps in at the beginning of side B. It picks up the pace immediately after the slower curtain closer from Side A. It's cranking and gets your blood moving fast with their rockin' Spanish flair. Expressive vocals populate the air, and there is an instrumental break, slowdown, and then an intro to the band members. It then starts moving again, and in an offbeat way, then a chant of Hey! Hey! Along with a driving rhythm and guitars with a surfy sound.

"Dragon Balls" is a showcase of the band's outstanding musicianship. The guitar wails, the drum beat forms the core, and the Dick Dale-like runs add a unique touch. The layers of instrumentation and significant transitions demonstrate the band's skill and dedication to their craft.

"Cannibal Flesh Riot" has an atmospheric entry. The guitar comes in heavy with some screaming, and then there's a big switch to a jangling guitar. It then changes in tempo with many changes and variants of the guitar's sound and rhythm. An exciting and interesting mix. It ends abruptly.

"Six Bullets" opens with drums and a strong, thick guitar sound as Peter screams, "See You in Hell!" This is a heavy rocker with a bit of surf around the periphery. There is a break for a slowdown and mellow guitar now, a tasteful lick or two, then a segue into the album closer.

"Night of the Vampire" is a perfect ending to an ideal performance. There is a great intro and a howl from Peter. Now, some hooks from the guitar grab you with great rhythms, bass, and drums. Vampire! is screamed with some distortion, making it sound spookier. Lots of howling and can't-miss guitar licks finish it off.

The Man They Couldn't Hang... is an excellent and colorful recording that combines so many genres; it's a wonder they do it so well. I am not surprised, and that is precisely why, after discovering them last year through Svart Records' promo for Chupacabra, Hate & Fight, they are now considered one of my favorite bands.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Reviews Founder

May 4, 2025

Tracks

Side A:

A1. Hola Ghost

A2. Spanish Moon

A3. The Man They Couldn't Hang

A4. Mulo Esqueleto Volante

A5. Marguerita

A6. Alligator Girl

Side B:

B1. Stay Awake

B2. Dragon Balls

B3. Cannibal Flesh Riot

B4. Six Bullets

B5. Night of the Vampire

LP Review and Interview: Hola Ghost - Chupacabra, Hate & Fight

Some bands click with you immediately, and I love it when that happens because I never expected it. Hola Ghost is one of those bands that I like the most. They call their music Mexican Death Metal (which may refer more to their makeup than their music). It is challenging to define their sound, so you must decide what that is for yourself if you enjoy them as much as I do. Their music uniquely blends rock, metal, surf, and a little country. I had been listening to them for weeks, waiting for the vinyl to arrive.

Here's some background: Hola Ghost started as a duo in 2007, creating the soundtrack for the American horror comedy movie Cannibal Flesh Riot! by Academy Award winner Gris Grimly. The band was formed by Peter Sandorff (ex-Nekromantix) on vocals and guitar, Jeppe B. Jessen on bass, and the haunted drum machine Ghost 707. Later, drummer Kristian Sandorff (ex-Nekromantix) took over drum duties, skillfully replacing the machine's haunted beats. The band has since evolved, adding a horn section, "The Haunted Horns," to their live and recording crew.

 

Chupacabra, Hate & Fight are two previously released EPs bundled into one LP with two bonus tracks and one new track, "Iron Reich." It is available via Svart Records in three exclusive vinyl editions: magenta, solid magenta/black splatter, and classic black. All this will be packaged with a printed inner sleeve containing lyrics and a collage of rare and previously unreleased photos. There'll also be a limited CD edition of this fantastic compilation album.

 

Side A opens with the explosive "Chupacabra" (a mythical creature from Mexican folklore). The guitar sounds fuzzy, with effects starting with a definite Spanish flavor (which you will often hear along with the horns, which have the same cultural sounds). It is a fantastic opener that gets those juices flowing to rock out more, and you will. Peter Sandorff has a unique vocal style that you can recognize, separating him from all the others. And that is a good thing. This is my favorite track; I can't get enough of it.

 

"Mexico" starts with the haunted horns (ala Herb Alpert and the TJB), then a slick guitar comes in nice and slow, and then boom! It explodes into a wave of sound. They are very adept at playing this way and constantly keep you on your toes in anticipation. The guitar playing is fast from the electric six-string with some acoustic lines added. Here, you cannot miss their Mexican death metal moniker. A few surf runs are also added; they run up and down the neck of the guitar like a round from a live machine gun. Then, another super-fast surf segment takes hold with an extended instrumental break and good guitar work with solid bass and drums. All of this makes for a very entertaining toe-tapping rocker. 

 

"Soldadera" is heavy metal initially, but then it reverts to surf guitar lead (which is very cool; I love it). The bass and drums are tight and hold steady. What you will hear is an excellent instrumental. The horns add another mystique to their sound, as the only words they sing are "Uno, Dos, Tres, Quatro" (1-2-3-4). The rapid picking is in the glissando style, which relates to the surf intro music.

 

"Copenhagen Gringo” (By the way, that is where they are from) is a country-tinged track with catchy rhythms and a step away from all the previous tracks, but very good.

 

Side B opens with a rousing manner with "Hate." They sing, "Hate, follow Me." This dark but energetic tune has a super-spirited bottom end pounding away. Typically, some fine guitar work populates the track with an exciting merging of many sounds towards the end when it all reaches a boil, then slows down with those contagious horns from hell assisted by a melodic bass line and guitar that leads you into a mesmerizing instrumental run and they sing "To love and let die." This was the segue from the previous track and an exciting twist that you must pay attention to while listening.

 

"Fight" is a good follow-up. The band plays, and the vocal screams out, "Hate! Fight! Ghost Brothers! Come on and join the fight." This one is rockin' at warp speed. The vocals are outstanding, as unusual as they may sound to some people. It may be that way at first, but with that rough edge, it's ideally suited to their music, and you will appreciate it quickly. Just listen, and you will see what I mean.

 

"Funeral March" is a slow burner with acoustic guitar and horns for that perfect recipe and atmosphere of death and a feeling that you are watching this happen in Mexico. An extended instrumental run plays before the wind blows for more effect.

 

Then "The Bottom of the Well" begins, another favorite of mine. A steady guitar and bass come in, then it changes to more electric sounds with a surfy reverb. The drums crash, it gets better with the horns added (it always does), and it continues to build and build. It is a masterwork of sound and atmosphere.

 

"Iron Reich" is their latest effort (which will be followed by a new album, and I hope soon). It is a dark and bold track with edgy music to get the lyrics over more effectively. The song's title and lyrics, along with the tone of the vocals, make it all believable. This is fierce music with many changes and great vocals that project the visual they are trying to create for you. The guitar provides a lot of effects to get you there.

 

Hola Ghost is anything but one-dimensional. They are as eclectic as any band I have heard this year. They are not your typical power trio, and you will realize that once the first track starts to play, each successive track throws more curveballs at you. It's all good, and I am so excited that Svart Records introduced me to them. I can't wait to see what they come up with on their next album. The anticipation is real.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 11, 2024

Tracks:

Side A:

A1. Chupacabra

A2. Mexico

A3. Soldadera

A4. Copenhagen Gringo

A5. Old Barn

Side B:

B1. Hate

B2. To love and let die

B3. Fight

B4. Funeral March

B5. The Bottom of the Well

B6. Iron Reich