Few songs arise from circumstances as profoundly personal as Deflecting Ghosts’ “Death Is Calling.” Written at a time when the band was worried that vocalist and bandmate Rhema may be fighting cancer yet again, the tune turns crushing uncertainty into a stunning statement of strength, love, and emotional honesty.
The song's inspiration is taken directly from one of the most difficult chapters of the band's life. Real concern, anguish, and resolve in the face of the prospect of another crushing diagnosis informed every artistic decision. That genuineness provides the release of an emotional depth that can't be produced.
“Death Is Calling” is not about fear of loss. Instead, it looks at the courage that can come when people face the unthinkable together. The feelings never go away, and the openness at the core of the lyrics is something that listeners can relate to. The band’s willingness to utilize such personal experiences makes for a potent sense of connection. Every musical moment seems to have a purpose, capturing the emotional energy that inspired the piece and making it accessible to the listener.
What makes it especially intriguing is the universality of the release. Although based on one family’s experience, the themes go well beyond a particular story, touching anybody who has ever felt uncertainty, loss, or the fear of losing someone they love.