Deflecting Ghosts is a rock and alternative metal band based in Hutchinson, Kansas, born from the creative vision of Luke Fitzgerald. Originally a personal refuge during the dissolution of his former band, the project has since evolved into a commanding trio that channels raw emotion and authentic grit. Joined by Rhema on bass and Jeremy Burnett on drums, with Sam Means on lead guitar, Deflecting Ghosts thrives on a spirit of resilience and truth. Their sound is unapologetically honest, fusing melody with intensity to reflect the struggles and triumphs that shape human experience. Each member contributes a distinct energy that solidifies the group’s chemistry: Luke’s years of multi-instrumental mastery, Rhema’s rhythmic sensitivity and emotional basswork, and Jeremy’s thunderous yet articulate drumming. Influenced by Cold, Chevelle, and Breaking Benjamin, the band carves a path that values meaning over fame, striving to connect deeply through songs that are both cathartic and confronting. Deflecting Ghosts stands as a testament to survival through sound, a collective driven by the belief that music is not just creation, it is expression, truth, and healing.
“Risen” by Deflecting Ghosts, released on October 17th, 2025, stands as a formidable statement of power, conviction, and emotional intensity. From the first moment, the track wastes no time in establishing its presence, erupting instantly with fierce guitar strikes and pounding drums that engulf the listener in a wall of sound. The song does not build slowly or tease its energy; instead, it dives straight into the fire, setting an immediate tone of urgency and defiance. This choice of structure alone speaks volumes about the band’s artistic intent. Deflecting Ghosts is not interested in patience or restraint here; they are channeling raw emotion and confrontation. The listener is immediately swept into a sonic storm where melody and aggression coexist in perfect tension. Recorded entirely at Luke Fitzgerald’s home studio, “Risen” carries a certain intimacy within its intensity, as though each sound were born from a place of personal necessity rather than calculated perfection. Every moment feels alive and untamed, a reflection of the chaos and resolve that inspired its creation.
At its core, “Risen” is a reflection on the moral decay and blindness of the modern world, exploring themes of accountability, rebellion, and awakening. Lyrically, the song challenges the complacency that defines much of contemporary life, calling attention to how easily people follow without questioning right or wrong. The words are sharp and deliberate, charged with the frustration of someone witnessing humanity’s descent into indifference. Luke Fitzgerald uses his songwriting not as mere expression but as a weapon of truth. Lines such as “The time has come. The ending has begun” embody the song’s warning tone, urging listeners to look inward and confront what they have ignored for too long. Beneath this grim reflection, however, lies a message of resilience. “Risen” is not simply about destruction but about the strength that emerges when one stands against the current. It captures that delicate space where fear turns to courage, and despair evolves into defiance.
Musically, the song blends elements of alternative metal and hard rock with a focus on clarity and impact. The guitars, led by Luke Fitzgerald and Sam Means, drive the composition with precision and force. Every riff feels deliberate, each chord voicing carefully chosen to maximize tension and release. The interplay between rhythm and lead guitars provides both grit and melody, creating a soundscape that is simultaneously heavy and emotionally charged. Sam’s guitar lines weave intricate patterns that move seamlessly between distorted aggression and melodic depth, reinforcing the emotional shifts in Luke’s vocals. The tones are rich yet sharp, and the production ensures that even in moments of high intensity, the instruments never blur into chaos. The balance between low-end punch and high-end clarity demonstrates a refined ear for mixing, especially given that the recording was completed in a home studio setting. This production choice adds authenticity to the song’s message, proving that honesty in music is far more compelling than polish.
Vocally, Luke Fitzgerald delivers one of his most impassioned performances to date. His voice carries the grit of lived experience, filled with conviction and urgency that perfectly mirrors the lyrical themes. He alternates between controlled aggression and melodic openness, shifting fluidly between raw shouts and anthemic declarations. His delivery in the verses is tight and confrontational, as if he is speaking directly to the listener, while the choruses expand into soaring statements of strength and release. There is a breathless quality to his phrasing, a sense that every line is being pulled from deep within. The emotional weight of his voice ensures that every word feels intentional, leaving no room for ambiguity. The mix places his vocals slightly forward, ensuring that his message pierces through the thick layers of instrumentation. Luke’s performance is not just technical but deeply expressive, embodying both the chaos and the redemption at the heart of “Risen.”
The rhythm section of the song anchors its entire emotional and sonic foundation. Rhema Fitzgerald’s bass work provides a dark, pulsing undercurrent that glues the song together, giving it both weight and movement. Her lines are not merely supportive but integral to the song’s energy, echoing the urgency of the guitars while maintaining a deep emotional tone. She plays with precision and intent, adding texture that deepens the track’s overall impact. Jeremy Burnett’s drumming, on the other hand, is pure fire. His approach is aggressive yet precise, alternating between punishing double kicks, sharp cymbal crashes, and subtle transitions that keep the song alive with momentum. Every beat feels carefully placed, not as a backdrop but as a driving force that propels the emotion forward. The synergy between bass and drums creates a rhythmic force that gives the song its pulse of rebellion and determination, perfectly embodying the spirit of defiance that defines Deflecting Ghosts.
In terms of arrangement, “Risen” thrives on a sense of unbroken intensity rather than dynamic retreat. The instrumentation never fades or drops out for dramatic effect; instead, it remains strong with a fierce and vibrant energy from beginning to end. This unwavering power keeps the listener locked in, creating a consistent current of adrenaline that refuses to subside. The guitars blaze forward with a relentless determination, the bass surges with thick resonance, and the drums maintain a pounding heartbeat that drives the track’s emotional core. This decision to sustain momentum gives “Risen” its identity as an anthem of persistence. It mirrors the song’s message of endurance through adversity, refusing to bend or weaken even in moments where others might choose calm. The band’s ability to maintain balance within this consistent energy shows both technical mastery and a deep understanding of emotional pacing, making every second feel purposeful and electrifying.
Risen by Deflecting Ghosts is a Fierce Reflection On Today’s Corrupted World, Confronting Moral Blindness And Decay While Igniting Strength, Defiance, And Redemption Through Its Raw Power And Relentless Energy
What truly makes “Risen” unforgettable is its sense of authenticity. Every note, every lyric, and every performance choice feels rooted in lived emotion rather than performance artifice. The fact that it was recorded in Luke Fitzgerald’s own home only amplifies that sincerity. It is music made not for charts or trends but for truth and catharsis. The track captures the essence of what Deflecting Ghosts stands for: using music as a vessel for survival, connection, and honesty. “Risen” succeeds because it embraces its imperfections as part of its humanity. It is a song that invites listeners not just to hear but to feel, not just to understand but to experience. Through its unrelenting energy, its lyrical conviction, and its emotional resonance, “Risen” establishes itself as one of the most compelling alternative metal anthems of the year. It is not merely a song about endurance; it is endurance embodied, a roaring testament to the power of rising above chaos and reclaiming strength from within.
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