What interests me most about In Memoriam is that it feels like a reset rather than just another album. With his fifth full-length release, Ben Rankin seems less concerned with repeating what he’s done before and more focused on figuring out where he wants to go next.
That intention is clear across the record. The title itself hints at a farewell of sorts, not in a dramatic sense, but in the idea of closing a chapter. Rankin has already built a catalog of albums and EPs over the past few years, and In Memoriam feels like his way of acknowledging that journey while stepping away from it creatively.
Musically, the album leans into a heavier direction than some of his earlier work. The use of 7-string guitars in tracks like “Parasite” and “Crown of Thorns” adds a deeper, darker tone that pushes his sound closer to modern metalcore territory. But what keeps the record from becoming purely aggressive is Rankin’s instinct for melody. He clearly cares about hooks, and many of the choruses are written to stick with you long after the song ends.
That balance between heaviness and accessibility is where the album really works for me. Rankin pulls influence from bands known for blending screams and melody, but he doesn’t sound like he’s simply copying them. Instead, he uses those inspirations as a framework to shape his own style.
Another element that makes the project stand out is the DIY spirit behind it. The entire album was recorded in Rankin’s home studio, and you can feel that independence in the music. There’s a sense that this record was made without outside pressure or industry expectations. It’s simply an artist experimenting with sound, learning as he goes, and trusting his instincts.
Lyrically, Rankin explores themes that many listeners will recognize immediately. Anxiety, depression, identity, and personal pressure all appear throughout the album. The lead single “Save Your Tears” captures that tone particularly well, focusing on breaking away from manipulation and the expectations others place on you.
What I appreciate is that Rankin doesn’t try to disguise those emotions behind overly complicated metaphors. The lyrics are direct and personal, which makes the songs feel relatable rather than distant.
For a 22-year-old artist, releasing a fifth studio album is already impressive. But what makes In Memoriam interesting is that it doesn’t feel like a victory lap. Instead, it feels like a checkpoint. A moment where Rankin looks back at everything he’s made so far and decides to push forward with a clearer idea of who he wants to be as an artist. If anything, this album suggests that his most defining work may still be ahead of him.
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