Beauty In Chaos is an ever expanding gothic, post-punk music collective curated by guitarist Michael Ciravolo and producer Michael Rozon. The Michaels, as I like to refer to them, built a concept where Ciravolo writes the music, Rozon balances the sound and adds texture, and then a rotating cast of artists add the lyrics. Their sonic journey extends across four core studio albums (excluding their expansive remix companion records). Their 2018 debut, Finding Beauty in Chaos, established the collective’s signature blend of heavy, abrasive guitars and ethereal dream-pop melodies with guest turns from legends like Wayne Hussey (The Mission), Simon Gallup (The Cure), Al Jourgensen (Ministry), and Robin Zander (Cheap Trick). Their 2020 follow-up, The Storm Before The Calm, narrowed the tracklist to longer, darker, and more immersive gothic compositions featuring artists like Ashton Nyte, Curse Mackey and Kat Leon. Their 2022 release, Behind The Veil, intentionally shifted the spotlight entirely to female vocalists, delivering a haunting, deeply emotional body of work with contributions from Whitney Tai, Evi Vine, Cinthya Hussey, and Tish Ciravolo. Their fourth album, Dancing With Angels, brought the project full circle by melding raw, aggressive post-punk guitars with shoegaze textures alongside performances from Patrik Mata, Julian Shah-Tayler, and returning long-time collaborators. 

So is 2026’s Quiet Place a worthy successor?

Beauty in Chaos- Quiet Place

Stations ov the Cross (revisited) – ft. Patrik Mata: (Kommunity FK)- This is the perfect album opener- uptempo with radio friendly guitar grooves and a melodic chorus. Mata has a distinct, goth style with the ability to hit a wide range of notes. His voice soars effortlessly. This song has my favorite line on the record: “Her absence is her presence. Her silence is her noise.  It’s in my head!” A beautiful example of paradox illustrating the point that this girl, even in absence, occupies his headspace. He goes on to liken her dancing to the Stations of the Cross- a pilgrimage Christians take to experience the spiritual redemption of Christ. Beautifully written and executed song.

You Made Me a Weapon– ft. Julian Shah-Taylor also known as the Singularity- this second track continues where “Stations” left off. Another uptempo guitar driven gem. Like Mata, Shah-Taylor has a huge voice with a dynamic range and theatrical nature. It is not surprising that he draws comparisons to David Bowie. If you haven’t listened yet, check out Tonne/Hatemae– Shah Taylor’s 2025 release. You Made Me a Weapon deals with another person dictating who you are. He repeats the line desperately, “I dream one day you’ll be at peace with who you are.” He realizes that he can’t change them, he can only rely on “love” to soften his weapon and balance his strength. Another brilliant performance by Shah-Taylor.

Silent Scream ft. Nick Shultz- This is my first time listening to Nick Shultz. Somehow Ciravolo has found yet another singer who seamlessly fits with what Beauty in Chaos exemplifies. This track steps back a bit. The verses are lighter, with heavier guitar laden chorus. This is a very depressing entry. Shultz lets the loss of the past, and apparently a significant other, color his present view, “When did the gray replace the view?” Thematically, right in step.

Home ft. Ashton Nyte – At this point, I think I speak for everyone- Michael and Ashton should record an entire album of new material. Every song they have created is gold. Not only is Home a banger, but it’s so wonderfully mixed. The basswork here lays down a deep groove with Michael’s guitar notes lightly floating above. And Ashton shies away from the deep baritone to deliver some lofty notes. All comes together to produce a perfectly balanced song. 

Outtasight Outtamind ft. Leo Luganskiy- This one is dramatically different, beginning laidback and chill. Luganskiy kicks in with his smooth ethereal crooning that turn into a crescendo of soaring high notes. Outtasight Outtamind is a pithy saying, but much more difficult to live by. Luganskiy struggles here- as he “falls apart.” Like Silent Scream, there is a longing for the past. “All this time. All these years. This was never meant to be.” Very retrospective.

Second Soul ft. Whitney Tai – heavy, slow deliberate beat,  driving forward slowly. Whitney delivers a haunting performance- her voice deep and velveteen- ranging from a dreamlike state to soulful intensity. Whitney Tai is a sweet soul, but this song is anything but. Tai delivers biting commentary on war, and specifically those waged unlawfully, or without true merit. “Brace for the fallout.
As small men rage. Branded our safety. A rusted cage.” The captivity is real, a result of those making decisions having no skin in the game, and age old. And she delivers another wonderful line, “In broad day, their second soul parades, A circus for a world stage.” This feels all to familiar.

A Rare Kinda Lover ft. Cinthya Hussey – This is one of those songs that harken back to the post-punk of the 80s with that cavernous space around sharp guitar lines. Hussey delivers warm lyrics with a hint of Sarah McLachlan in the best of ways. This song is oozing with wisdom. She looks at past events as both tragedy and teacher. While she would have dwelled on the negative and stewed in the consequence, she can now see it for what it is- a lesson clothed in tragedy. A beautifully woven moral.

Dying Light ft. Brent Meyer – I love the placement of this one on the album. Where A Rare Kinda Lover gains wisdom from the past, Meyer here is broken by his inability to break free. He is broken, and relinquishes to the weight of circumstance. This is my first time listening to Brent Meyer. It’s obvious why Ciravolo chose him; his deep baritone fits perfectly with the Chaos collective. Adding a more distinctive drumbeat here and it’s another special addition to the record.

Little Parasite ft. Betsy Martin – Betsy has a truly unique voice that stands out on the record. Snappy drums and a slide guitar sound make this one unique. More than any other entry, this one completely seems to be up the ear of the beholder. For me, the parasite is the nagging voice that says you aren’t good enough. The creator does not need the parasite, but the parasite, like a barnacle has to have a host to exist. What a wonderful metaphor for an artist who doubts what they are producing.

Quiet Place ft. Ashton Nyte – Oh man, what haven’t I said about Ashton over the years? He is a wonderful singer and a poet. Pair him with the Michaels and you get another gem. The title track is no different. The sentiment here is that poetry doesn’t have to have words. Sit silently and let nature speak to you. There is a silence that speaks louder than words. “Dream in silence” indeed.

There is a familiarity to this record. It features the string arrangements of Michael Ciravolo and production of Michael Rozon. Beyond that, the record is fresh. Some new voices and new themes. Well placed song order. Not a skippable track on the record. It seems after four records, Ciravolo and company still have something to say….and I’m still listening. You should too.

Bonus Tracks:

God’s Going to Cut You Down: traditional folk hymn made famous by Elvis and Cash

Get Down Moses: Joe Strummer

Dancing Barefoot: A song originally by Patti Smith dusts off its old clothes and dons the atmospheric minimalism of Beauty in Chaos. Another wonderful cover!

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