The Haunt
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
If "Worst Taste In Men" is any indication of what's to come from The Haunt's forthcoming album Ghost, then Anastasia and Max Haunt aren't just turning up the volume—they're sharpening every edge of their already formidable sound.
Opening with an ominous pulse before detonating into a wall of crunching guitars and thunderous drums, the track wastes no time announcing its intentions. It sits comfortably between modern alternative rock, industrial pop and hard rock, but never feels trapped by genre. Instead, it thrives on contrast: huge hooks collide with razor-sharp riffs, while moments of vulnerability are swallowed by waves of controlled chaos.
Anastasia Haunt is the undeniable centre of attention. Her vocal performance shifts effortlessly from smoky restraint to full-throttle defiance, delivering every lyric with conviction and emotional bite. She doesn't simply sing the song—she inhabits it. The frustration, sarcasm and empowerment running through the lyrics feel authentic rather than manufactured, giving the track an emotional weight that lingers long after the final chorus.
Musically, Max Haunt deserves equal praise. The guitar work is muscular without becoming overbearing, layering heavy, grinding riffs with melodic textures that stop the song from descending into predictable hard-rock territory. The production is polished but retains enough grit to keep everything sounding dangerous, allowing every instrument room to breathe while maintaining relentless momentum.
What makes "Worst Taste In Men" particularly effective is its sense of scale. The verses simmer with tension before exploding into enormous, arena-sized choruses that feel tailor-made for festival crowds. It's catchy without sacrificing heaviness—a balance many bands chase but few genuinely achieve.
Fans of Halestorm, Bad Omens, Spiritbox, The Pretty Reckless and Bring Me The Horizon's more melodic moments will find plenty to love here, but The Haunt are rapidly carving out a distinctive identity of their own. Their blend of cinematic atmosphere, bruising rock dynamics and fearless songwriting feels increasingly confident.
With more than 40 million streams behind them and a reputation forged on relentless touring, The Haunt have been steadily building towards this moment. Worst Taste In Men suggests that Ghost could be the record that propels them onto an even bigger stage.
Verdict: Fierce, infectious and unapologetically loud, Worst Taste In Men is a blistering slice of modern alternative rock that proves The Haunt are no longer a band to watch—they're a band arriving at full force.
For more information: The Haunt
Comments