Interview: Nate Rose
(Conducted via zoom by Tiana Speter)
California metalcore titans The Ghost Inside are set to make their long-awaited return to Australian stages this October, headlining their first national tour in over a decade. Joined by Scottish heavyweights Bleed From Within, the Going Down Under Tour kicks off in Fremantle on October 19 before tearing through Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, and wrapping up in Brisbane on October 26.
With six acclaimed albums under their belt, The Ghost Inside have built a career defined by passion, resilience, and unrelenting energy — from anthems like Engine 45, Avalanche and Aftermath to their latest record Searching for Solace, released in 2024. Overcoming tragedy and triumphing through adversity, the band have not only survived but thrived, transforming hardship into some of the most powerful and uplifting metalcore of the last two decades.
Fresh off a massive run with Parkway Drive in 2024, The Ghost Inside are primed to bring their trademark intensity and emotional ferocity back to Australian fans — this time, on their own terms. Ahead of the tour, drummer Andrew Tkaczyk sat down with us to talk about the band’s enduring connection with Australia, the new album, and what fans can expect when they return down under.
It was only a year ago that you were here for Parkway Drive’s 20-year anniversary shows, but this will be your first Australian headline tour in over 10 years. How excited are you guys to finally come back for a headlining run?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
I’m even more excited now because I didn’t really think about that until you just mentioned it. That’s wild. I guess our last one would have been 2013 or 2014. That’s crazy. Oh, it’s gonna be insane. We’re so excited. Australia is one of our favorite places to visit and play. Yeah, we love it.
The Ghost Inside has always had a strong connection with Australian fans. From your point of view, what makes the Australian crowd stand out compared to the rest of the world? And do you have a favorite memory of the wildest thing you’ve seen from a fan here?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
The first time I ever found out what a shoey was, was in Australia — I think it was in Melbourne at the Corner Hotel, maybe back in 2008 with my old band. Someone came up on stage and did it and I was just like, “That’s disgusting… and awesome.”
That’s part of what we love about Australia — it’s such a different type of passion. The connection we have with the fans there is real. You can see the emotion, feel the energy in the room every time we play. Australia is like our home away from home.
I also remember being a dumb American, first time in Australia, getting a Foster’s at the Corner Hotel because I thought I had to. Everyone’s like, “We don’t drink that shit.” (laughs)
And yeah, the shoey memory is hilarious. I don’t remember the last time someone chanted for us to do one, but maybe I’m opening a can of worms here. I’ll do one out of my prosthetic leg — if there’s anywhere to do it, it’s Australia.
What are you personally looking forward to most about being back down under?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
We’ve been coming to Australia for so many years, and we have so many friends in every city. It’ll be great to reconnect with them. And of course, the shows — that unique Australian energy, loud chants, smiling faces, people singing along. It’s long overdue for a TGI headliner.
Plus, it’s spring — the weather’s nice, people are getting out of the house. Perfect timing to bring the good vibes.
You’re bringing Bleed From Within along with you on this tour, plus local supports like Our Demise, Broken Earth, and hardcore royalty Day of Contempt. Do you guys like to keep up with local scenes around the world? And are there newer bands you feel are carrying the torch for authenticity?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
Oh yeah, we definitely keep up with new bands. Honestly, a lot of younger bands end up inspiring us. It’s this cycle — bands that we inspired are now inspiring us.
Take Knocked Loose for example — they’re shining a massive light on our world, bringing so much energy and authenticity. They’ve exploded globally and it’s incredible to see.
We’re also into the shoegaze-y resurgence, the nu-metal revival — which is my roots. It’s exciting to see the new era evolve, and we’re here for it. Please, more of it.
The Ghost Inside has overcome more than most bands and become a huge inspiration. Fans often say your music has helped them through dark times. How does it feel knowing your songs have become a source of healing for others?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
It’s an amazing feeling, and not something we ever set out to do. We’re just being ourselves through music, figuring out life as we go. If people can use our music as an outlet to get through tough times, that’s the biggest reward.
Music has always been that powerful — I know it’s pulled me out of dark times, too. So to be able to give that back, it’s a gift we don’t take for granted.
As you get older, perspective shifts. You realize what’s important, and for us it’s making a difference, even if it’s just for one person.
Your latest album Searching for Solace came out last year. How have the songs been received in a live setting so far?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
At first, when the record dropped, we knew it might piss some people off. We wanted to try new things, explore new vibes. Online, there was a lot of noise — people saying “go back to the old sound.” But live? No one cares. The new songs pop off.
Over a year later, the Searching for Solace tracks are some of the best received in our set — even up there with “Engine 45,” “Aftermath,” “Avalanche.” Sometimes they get a better reaction.
It’s so rewarding to see, because we love playing them. They’re fresh, raw, and heavy. And interestingly, I saw a Reddit thread that started negative when the record came out, but now everyone in there says the record is a banger front to back. Time changes things.
Do you have a personal favorite track to play from the album?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
That’s tough. I love “Split” — it’s heavy and groovy. “Death Grip” is another favorite, along with “Earn It.” We recently played “Wrath” in Europe for the first time and it went over insanely well. But overall, “Death Grip” is my top live pick.
You worked with multiple producers on this record. How did that shape the album’s sound, especially balancing heaviness with melody?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
Balancing heaviness with melody is our bread and butter. That’s always been our thing, and we’ll always be one of the best at it.
Working with multiple producers opened doors we didn’t know we had in us. For example, Dan Braunstein pushed Vigil to explore his clean singing more. Every writing session, he just kept getting better. It unlocked this new dimension for us.
Different producers bring out different things, and it fueled our creativity. We’re literally working on the new record right now, and that experience has given us an endless thirst to keep creating.
What do you hope Australian fans who’ve followed your journey for so long take away, not just from your music, but from your example as people?
Andrew Tkaczyk:
Our band has always been about resilience — overcoming obstacles, taking control of your life, refusing to let things hold you down. That’s the message we’ve stood by since day one, and Australians really take that to heart.
After the accident, we had to live by our own lyrics: “Life’s swinging hard, but I’m swinging harder.” Life tested us, and we came back stronger. Fans see that, and they apply it to their own lives.
That’s the greatest reward. It’s not just about music — it’s about proving to yourself you can overcome anything.
Destroy All Lines Presents
THE GHOST INSIDE
GOING DOWN UNDER TOUR
WITH SPECIAL GUEST
BLEED FROM WITHIN
TOUR DATES:
SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER – METROPOLIS, FREMANTLE
TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER – THE GOV, ADELAIDE
THURSDAY 23 OCTOBER – THE FORUM, MELBOURNE
FRIDAY 24 OCTOBER – ENMORE THEATRE, SYDNEY
SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER – THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE
Tickets from destroyalllines.com
