GHOST

"Meliora" (Loma Vista Recordings; 2015)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

This is the third disc from Ghost, who used to be called Ghost B.C. These guys are doom metal and Gothic metal. Their stage presence has a lot to do with their sound. Papa Emeritus III is at the vocal helm; he took over for his younger brother (Papa Emeritus II) and is backed by the five Nameless Ghouls, each with their own symbol for the four elements of earth and with a symbol for Quintessence. Papa is dressed as an anti-Pope with an upside-down cross on his pontiff’s hat. The nameless ghouls wear masks with horns.

Now let's get to the music: This is cool creepy stuff. The vocals are clean and full of the absence of God lyrically. The rest of the band play hard rock, heavy metal and progressive rock. You could spin this disc all day and still enjoy the sound; it doesn't get old, it grows on you. I don't really pay attention to the 'satanic' lyrics because the music is so wicked. I found out about Ghost via the single "Cirice" and it hooked me, a slow but head-bobbing riff was all it took. The rest of the disc has great sounding guitar, synth and a solid rhythm section backing.

Fans of Black Sabbath will dig Ghost because they have the same type of sound: slow, brooding and stuffed with anti-religion. Plus, their attention to making great music is forefront. You will have to look past their stage persona to hear the music, but you should keep their appearance in mind when hearing their lyrics. You can combine the two to see how Ghost might just be the new heavy metal band you've been looking for. Papa is seeking you, he's holding his hand out and he can see the scars inside you.

Ghost: Papa Emeritus III - vocals; Nameless Ghouls (5 of them) all other instruments.

For more information, as much as they will give, check out their website - http://www.ghost-official.com.

"Opus Eponymous" (Rise Above Limited; 2010)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Interesting question: Rock'n'roll music has been around since the 1950s, and metal music has been around since 60s. I believe that is a fair statement. So why has there never been a band called Ghost?

So on to my next project, a band called Ghost and their debut recording "Opus Eponymous" (which literally translates in Latin as "Self-titled Work"). "Opus Eponymous" is a haunting collection of some great metal music. I have to say, it took me a minute to figure out where the band was going but, after that, it just got better with each spin.

I found this recording started out way too slow and, frankly, a bit boring. However, that was the last boring part of the entire package. The music is simple, straight-forward, in-your-face and even a little bit scary.

Now that I know it is just an act, I can appreciate the band more. I liked the strangeness, the "Alice Cooper Effect," so to speak, the off-kilter aspect and showmanship throughout the entire project.

This release came out in 2010. Of course, I have heard of Ghost, and I knew they came out in outrageous costumes and stage show, but I have never experienced them until now. The band has gone through many line-up changes throughout the years. It will be interesting to see the current line-up with their upcoming recording due out later this year (2025).

I found this recording more than a little fun. I have listened to it about four times now and it gets better with each listen. I can only guess how they sound today, fifteen years. I know I can listen to the numerous, more recent, Ghost recordings, but I wanted to wait and experience the first and then the latest incarnations of this band.

For more information, as much as they will give, check out their website - http://www.ghost-official.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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