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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.
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.
Copyright © 2015 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
18 Mar 2024 13:45:58 -0500.
