Pittsburgh Rock Band Ferocious Ghosts to Release Riff-Heavy Single 'Let It Burn' on July 4

Pittsburgh alternative rock band Ferocious Ghosts is preparing to put out a new single, "Let It Burn," on July 4. The song leans on big rock riffs and draws inspiration from Rage Against the Machine, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.

The band described the track as an evolution of the sound it began building on its first album, "Ford the River." In the group's words, the new song is "high energy and raw, leaning deeply into our heaviest rock influences." They said they are excited to share this chapter with listeners.

Ferocious Ghosts characterized "Let It Burn" as a revenge song. The members said they picture it accompanying a western-style movie scene in which the protagonist rides into town to right every wrong and collect what is owed. "Sometimes a bridge must burn as there will never be a need to cross it again," they said.

The single was co-produced and engineered by Dave Hillis, whose past work includes projects with Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains. The band called the collaboration "surreal" and "a dream come true," noting that it was humbling that such a "legendary engineer" wanted to work with them. They said Hillis was casual and warm throughout and made the sessions fun.

The group's lineup is Brandon Ploskina on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Michael Hodge on drums and backing vocals, Jake Colavincenzo on lead guitar and backing vocals, Jeff Worrall on lead rhythm guitar, and Mark Condello on bass. The band formed when a few old friends and former bandmates got together to make music again. What began casually grew as their passion returned, and they eventually called in more longtime friends and musical partners.

The name Ferocious Ghosts, the band explained, refers to the things from the past that still haunt a person: mistakes, regrets, people they have lost touch with or lost for good, and scores left unsettled. Everyone has such ghosts, the band said, and how people deal with them shapes who they become.

Fans of 1990s and 2000s alternative rock may find familiar ground. The band lists Pearl Jam, Collective Soul, Incubus, Rage Against the Machine, Live, Silverchair, Eve 6 and Jimmy Eat World among its influences. Its debut album, "Ford the River," came out in 2025.

Among its favorite local venues, the band named Crafthouse, Mr. Smalls and Club Cafe. They said sharing the stage with bandmates while watching a crowd respond to their own songs is a feeling that cannot be replicated elsewhere. One cherished memory is hearing "Days Like This," from the debut album, on WYEP-FM. Because they knew in advance it would air, the members gathered to celebrate together, which they called "a moment of intense joy amongst long-time friends."

Ferocious Ghosts' next show is Sept. 12 at Mr. Smalls Funhouse. The band can be found on Instagram, TikTok, Bandcamp and Facebook, as well as on streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, Prime Music and YouTube Music.

The band also pointed to three other Pittsburgh-area acts worth a listen: The Freeloaders, Chip & the Charge Ups, and Broom. For pizza, its pick is DiSalla's Pizza in Munhall, known as "The Junction."