The 21st century has brought about the rise of, whether purists like it or not, experimentation in metal.
No act has sat at the forefront of this ‘new-wave’ of sound in recent years more than Swedish “church of satan” pop-metallers Ghost.
The project of mastermind Tobias Forge, accompanied by his anonymous (for the better part when there are no lawsuits involved) ‘nameless ghouls’, the discography of Ghost is marked by a commitment to never repeating themselves, always fusing their metallic roots with elements of traditional rock, pop and even disco.
In one sense Ghost are a contradiction of sorts. Taking all the satanic, demonic, anti-religious imagery of Scandinavian metal and adding their own ‘dark Vatican’ flavour to it all, one would expect them to produce a sound more similar to Emperor or Dimmu Borgir.
The band have had fans die at concerts, US churchgoers gather to pray against their impending visits and even brought their dark sermons onto American TV.
Check out Ghost perform Cirice live on Colbert
However, musically the band present a unique take on metal, trimming the fat and adding all manner of varied musical inspirations to create a digestible, unique sound that offers up a delectably beast-like live experience.
Indeed, the mysterious front kept up by the band, as well as the wild rumours that swirl around personnel, keeps the metal world in a permanent state of wonder. This is particularly the case when it comes to their LP’s- four albums that explore the depths of the human psyche on ‘evil’, and how we as a race responded to it over time.
Love Metal?
Get the latest Metal news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
Watch a ghoul unpack the ‘satanic cult’ idea that surrounds the band
From fears of the antichrist to sexual immorality to the black death, one thing can be sure of Ghost; they will attack all things sinister and turn them into art.
The band are headed this way in March. It’s a band at the peak of their power, and now is the time to familiarize yourself with their sound. So without further ado, here is a brief thematic overview of each Ghost record, designed to help you take your first steps into the ever-growing dark congregation. Welcome to church- we’re glad you’re here.
Opus Eponymous (2010)
Translates to Self-Titled Work.
Where things all started, back in 2010. The record sets the groundwork for the entire thematic concept of the band; the sense of approaching doom, and concluding with the birth of the Antichrist. With a tight, metallic production things are dark and evil throughout. The album’s sonic offering made for equal parts haunting and tantalizing live experience.
Watch: Ghost perform ‘Ritual’ live in 2010
Con Clavi Con Dio is a pledge of devotion to Lucifer, whilst Elizabeth & Stand By Him are similarly occult. The final track, Genesis signals the arrival of the antichrist on earth and sets the scene for…
Infestissumam (2013)
Translates to Very Hostile
Not repeating themselves was clearly at the forefront of Forge & co.’s mind when Infestissumam was conceived. Offering significantly more colour than their debut, Infestissumam is full of stylistic experimentation. The rock opera of Ghouleh/ Zombie Queen is one of the band’s finest moments, whilst Secular Haze sways and rocks like a distorted folk sing-a-long.
The record “deals with the presence of the Anti-Christ, the Devil” said the band, adding that the record is also a critique on what humans have “deemed to be the presence of the Devil, throughout history and even nowadays.” The sexual themes, notably present on tracks Jigolo Har Megiddo & Idolatrine draw listeners attention to the double-standards seen towards human sexuality throughout history; “The Inquisition was basically men accusing women of being the Devil just because they had a hard-on for them.”
The deluxe CD cover was banned from US Release due to its depiction of an orgy
Listen to the band begin to expand their sound on LP #2 below
Meliora (2015)
Translates to The Pursuit of Something Better
LP #3 saw the band return to a more guitar-oriented style, whilst simultaneously engaging pop producer Klas Ahlund (Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue) to oversee the LP. Meloira sees the band take a more philosophical thematic approach, examining the absence of ‘God’ from society and the human pursuit of divinity. “There will always be some f***er there to give you guidance,” said a ghoul of the record, adding that the record explored “more about the modern man and woman in their pursuit of purpose in life.”
Things certainly get deep early on here. From The Pinnacle To The Pit is a stark examination of the fleeting human existence, while Mummy Dust is a snarky middle finger to the apparent need for faith shown throughout human history. Forge clearly had a copy of Madness & Civilisation in the studio when this LP was composed.
Ceremony & Devotion (2017) Live Album
Dropping out of absolutely nowhere, Ceremony & Devotion captures the Ghost live show in beautifully crisp detail. Tracks From The Pinnacle To The Pit, Year Zero & Mummy Dust are particular standouts, with the live context giving each track a larger than life canvass from which to explode. The cuts off Infestissuman & Meliora are particularly impressive, with their more experimental structures given a much-needed lift by the atmosphere and live re-arrangements. Add in a real-life choir and you have Ghost at their apex mountain of gothic glam indulgance. If you ever doubt that the band can pull off their disco-death live, this serves to prove you wrong.
Check out the huge sounding Absolution in the live context
Prequelle (2018)
From satanic pledges to philosophical despair, Ghost was in a far less arbitrary mood when they released this year’s triumph Prequelle. Filled with glam, pop and stadium hooks that would make any Bon Jovi fan pump their fist in the air, Prequelle combines joyous sing-a-longs with tales of The Black Death, the plague which swept across Eurasia in the 14th century, taking out two-thirds of the European population.
Opening proceeding with Froge’s daughter singing Ring a Ring a Rosie on Ashes, a children’s song originating from the Black Death, there is an air of innocence colliding with the stark reality of mortality here- so why not dance to its tune? “Don’t you forget about dying, don’t you forget about your friend death” reminds Forge in a sing-song voice on Pro Memoria, while the ABBA/ Whitney Houston rock tribute Dance Macabre provides a disco ball to the funeral. If you want to feel good about your impending doom, this is the LP for you!
With each LP Ghost continue to both push the boundaries, as well as expand their rabid fanbase. This year alone has seen the band perform a headlining slot at Wacken as well as selling out the Royal Albert Hall.
They’ve well and truly established themselves at the forefront of contemporary metal, constantly reinventing themselves and converting even the truest of traditional metal warriors. Don your grimmest Sunday best and make sure you’re there at one of the dates below.
Ghost Australian Tour 2019
Wednesday, March 6th- The Tivoli, Brisbane
TICKETS
Saturday, March 9th- Paramatta Park, Sydney (Download Festival)
TICKETS
Monday, March 11th- Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne (Download Festival)
TICKETS
