There’s something different about In Memoriam right from the first listen. This isn’t just another independent rock record, it feels like a closing chapter and a reset happening at the same time. At only 22, Canberra singer-songwriter Ben Rankin leans fully into the heavier side of his identity here, trading some of the softer pop balance of earlier work for sharp riffs, emotional volatility, and unfiltered honesty. Recorded entirely in his home studio, the album carries that DIY urgency, raw edges included and that actually works in its favor. The mix of metalcore aggression, alt-rock melody, and pop-leaning hooks makes In Memoriam feel personal rather than polished for perfection. Across twelve tracks, Rankin documents anxiety, fractured relationships, anger, and self-reconstruction, turning the album into something like a musical purge before moving forward. Let’s break it down track by track.
1. Voices: The album opens with tension already boiling over. “Voices” wastes zero time throwing listeners into distorted guitars and inner chaos. Lyrically, it reads like a confrontation with intrusive thoughts, the repeated pleas for release give the song a restless energy. The chorus lands hard, balancing heavy instrumentation with a surprisingly catchy structure. It’s a strong opener that establishes the emotional stakes immediately.
2. Save Your Tears: The lead single hits like a declaration of independence. Built around pounding drums and sharp rhythmic riffs, the track tackles manipulation and emotional control. Rankin’s vocal delivery shifts between melodic lines and near-shouted frustration, mirroring someone finally cutting ties. The hook sticks quickly, making it one of the album’s most accessible heavy moments.
3. Deathwish: Here the tone darkens. Deep vocal layers and a thicker atmosphere give “Deathwish” a cinematic feel. The lyrics explore obsession and emotional exhaustion, while the instrumentation leans into modern metal textures. There’s a push-and-pull between vulnerability and aggression that keeps the track tense all the way through.
4. Do You Believe In an Afterlife?: This track slows things slightly, letting introspection take center stage. The chorus feels almost anthem-like, asking existential questions without offering easy answers. It’s one of the album’s most relatable moments, less rage, more confusion, and the melodic focus shows Rankin’s pop instincts still alive beneath the distortion.
5. A Societal Collapse: Anger becomes outward-facing here. Fast, confrontational, and politically charged, the song channels frustration toward authority and hypocrisy. The pacing barely lets you breathe, reinforcing the sense of chaos described in the lyrics. It’s one of the rawest performances on the record.
6. Parasite: One of the standout tracks. The addition of 7-string guitar gives the riffing extra weight, creating a darker sonic palette. Themes of addiction and emotional dependency run through the lyrics, while the chorus delivers a massive payoff. This feels like a turning point in the album, confrontation shifting into self-awareness.
7. Rewind: After relentless heaviness, “Rewind” pulls things back emotionally. Starting calmer before expanding into a full rock arrangement, the track focuses on unresolved relationships and emotional closure. The vocal performance shines here, showing restraint instead of rage. It’s a needed emotional breather.
8. With You: The softest song on the album, leaning closer to alternative rock ballad territory. Vulnerability replaces confrontation, and the lyrics explore insecurity and longing for reassurance. The slower pacing allows listeners to sit with the emotional weight rather than being pushed forward by aggression.
9. Crown of Thorns: The heaviness returns with full force. Driven by another low-tuned guitar attack, the song feels explosive and theatrical. Betrayal and resentment dominate the lyrics, and the repeated hook makes it one of the most memorable tracks live-performance-wise. This is Rankin at his most confrontational.
10. None In a Million: A chaotic, self-aware track about self-destruction and perception. The songwriting balances sarcasm with confession, giving the track a rebellious energy. Musically, it blends punk urgency with modern metal production, keeping momentum high as the album approaches its end.
11. Breathing Space: Exactly what the title promises, a short instrumental reset. Clean tones and calmer textures allow listeners to decompress after the emotional intensity of the previous tracks. Positioned here, it feels intentional, like stepping outside for air before the final statement.
12. I’m Not Myself: The closing track brings everything inward again. Repetition in the lyrics reinforces emotional exhaustion and identity loss, making the ending feel unresolved in a deliberate way. Instead of a triumphant finale, Rankin leaves listeners sitting with uncertainty, a bold choice that fits the album’s theme of transition.
In Memoriam feels less like a goodbye album and more like a personal archive being sealed shut. The mix of metal aggression, pop songwriting instincts, and deeply personal lyricism shows an artist figuring himself out in real time. Imperfections remain, but they add authenticity rather than distraction. This album lands as a strong independent statement, proof that growth doesn’t always sound clean or comfortable, and sometimes that’s exactly the point.
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