Tobias has said one of the biggest influences on his songwriting is ABBA. So yeah, you're pretty much right on. He's very much into the 70's-80's classic rock sound. And he likes to have fun with that. You look at their album covers and pictures of the band in full costume and you think extremely harsh vocals and death metal. Then they hit you with songs like this. I think the whole package is genius.
Their performance of Cirice on Colbert's show a few years ago, was my introduction. Jumped down that rabbit hole, laughing and rocking. That performance is on YT if you've never seen it. Pretty cool theatrics with the audience. Think it was Halloween/Samhain. 🤘🧙♂️🤘
The fading out is a part of the theme of the song. The eternal search for a saviour from the sky. You got to understand that Tobias never does anything without a thought behind. Yes Tobias. Ghost is only Tobias Forge and not a band. The guitarist on this song and all the tracks on Impera is Fredrik Åkesson from Opeth. Masterful playing. The reason you recognize the sound of the past is because Tobias grew up listening to all this bands. From Abbs to Kansas, Styx, Journey to Kiss to Black and Death Metal. He just loves so much music and is able to mix it all together. I you want something different please react to Twenties by Ghost. Tobias describes that one like Slayer meets Missy Elliott.
Ghost is a phenomenal band. Tobias Forge has definitely discovered “the formula”, & he employs it with precision. The more I listen to their music, the more I learn about the nuances of the formula, & from such a wonderfully talented perspective as theirs. Truly a joy to listen to ghost.
It's a very Swedish kind of songwriting IMO. They know the formula and they know how to bend it just right in order to keep it interesting. Yeah, this isn't the most original or technically impressive song ever, but it's done with such thoughtfulness that it becomes impressive anyway.
Nothing wrong with Ghost, people tend to take themselves too serious and detach from the lighthearted good fun. Their latest is a 10/10 classic heavy rock album with lots of catchy melodies and hooks. Lots of extreme bands out there for the more trve fellas in the metal crowd tho.
Ghost is too pop for some people. I as black metal fan first thought they'd be closer to Behemoth so I was shocked to hear it for the first time. But because anything 80's is my guilty pleasure I quickly learned to like it. Even spread it for some of my "purist" friends and lo' I went to Ghost concert with them wearing corpse paints and all. Good stuff!
Their showmanship in concert is beyond excellent. I've been a casual fan of theirs for a while since my SO is pretty into them, but I didn't fully get it until we saw them in concert earlier this year. Now I'm hooked and I just gotta see then again in concert lol
Tobias Forge is influenced by the pop culture he experienced as a child, the the late 70s and the 80s. Hammer horror movies, Scooby doo, and not only metal but pop music also. Im the same age as he is and Ghost is nostalgic to me, but also very much their own thing . he's a phenomenal songwriter
The new Ghost album is a masterpiece. Save a move of one instrumental track, Tracks 7 and 8 should be swapped, but Darkness At The Heart Of My Love, and Respite On The Spitalfields are two amazingly composed songs. Those tracks, and if you listen with a tech ear to Call Me Little Sunshine, show the skill of this band.
I don't care who doesn't like these guys. I've been listening to rock/metal since i was tiny and Ghost have some really catchy stuff. The new album is tremendous. Tobias has other writers come in to help him out but the stuff is catchy as hell.
Tobias is a genius. All of their albums are catchy af but my favorite album will always be Meloria cause Cirice slaps like no other. The music video is just as good.
Same. Ghost has become sort of a guilty pleasure for me. I can go from a playlist of Lamb of God, Gojira, Avatar, and In Flames, and to me, Ghost is just as great to listen to. I don’t think they will ever get the recognition and appreciation they deserve, but they have their own ‘underground’ cult-following, of which I’m a proud member. Tobias writes some great music which is hard to fully appreciate if you don’t play an instrument and try to learn their stuff.
I'm 50 and it fills I void I didn't think I needed. I never really got into this era when I was growing up. I went from R&B to hardcore metal. But Ghost is like the perfect version of the music I avoided in my teens.
I grew up in the eighties and loving Maiden, Metallica, Ozzy, and others. Ghost just blends it all in such a unique way. You said it right: "Ghost has this classic, power, metaly vibe with a discernable hook. I am hooked!
You're definitely right about Ghost going for a "pop-metal" sound and also being a throwback to 70's and 80's stylizations. In terms of the lore, the frontman, Tobias Forge, plays a character on stage. The entire band is sort of a parody of the Satanic Panic that was directed at bands like Metallica and Kiss in the 80s. Ghost's concerts are as much theatre as they are music, which is why they look and sound the way they do. If you have time to watch a concert, or even part of one, their "square" sound will start making a lot more sense. Its all tongue-in-cheek 😉 Great analysis as always!
Ghost is that perfect intersection where good songwriting, musicianship, vision, performance art, pop culture, and hooks meet. I’ve been a fan since hearing “Ritual” when their first album was released. I think there was a void that Ghost tapped into. I’m into many genres, but Ghost - as pop music as they can sound - truly pull off a beautiful combination of theater with classic rock and multiple metal styles all in one. I can’t think of anyone else who does it at Ghost’s level. And not just their compositions, but their production improves with every new album. The music is still stimulating enough to me. I continue to hear nuances in their work. Tobias has his thumb on the pulse of his fans. I’m thankful that Ghost is still putting out great music.
Thank you so much for doing another Ghost reaction! This made my day! I also reccomend "Spillways" and "Griftwood" from this album. Some others I would say are worth reacting to are "Faith", "Rats", "Kiss The Go-Goat " and the list can go on but I'll leave it at that for now.
Hit us with Kaisarion if you do more Ghost. It's literally one of my top 3 songs of all time. Toby Forge is just such a great great song writer and that's what it comes down to. Who cares if it is or isn't metal, if you like smart song writing it doesn't get much better. If you ever get a chance to see them live you need to do it.
As an old-timer, this song brings me back to high school and hearing a great new song by Blue Oyster Cult on the local FM rock station. Clearly there is space in the market for a BOC/Styx/Journey/Foreigner type of band. I also listen to much heavier/darker/dissonant bands, so for me Ghost is a breath of fresh air.
I was introduced to GHOST around Halloween about seven years ago. The song was Cirice. One listen and I was hooked. Did the whole deep dive thing and now I have quite the collection. For me, GHOST is the new KISS, if not better. I truly believe that. Just outstanding musicianship mixed with A-List talent as far stage presence and performance. Go see them in concert if you can!!!
I haven't thought about it that way... I totally agree with you that Ghost fills a need for a more radio friendly song that is at the same time rock and fricking roll.
Listen to the music, and the conversation is done. It is ALL about music! Being happy and having fun! It's very simple. Talented guy (Tobias) doing his thing.
Yes. They are filling a void. I just mentioned this not too long ago,,,where are all the rock bands with like an 80's vibe?!. Lo and behold, I found Ghost. Too late to go see them this year...BTW, they call it going to Ritual. 🖤☻️👻
The reason ghost has 10 million listens currently is from a tik tok meme, from a song of theirs called Mary on a cross. It's actually making some fans real mad, they're kind of skyrocketing in popularity for a lot of reasons right now. Personally I love the idea of any kind of rock or metal getting into the teens and tik tok kids. Also I love ghost so it's great.
I love when bands get a boost like that. Hardcore fans will be mad, but just means the band is getting more money for what they do. And more people are exposed to the music. It’s crazy. I remember a few months ago they were hovering around 1-2 million listeners before Impera. Now they’re at 12 million. It’s awesome
Saw them open for Iron Maiden on "The Book of Souls" tour in Brooklyn, NY, which was the last show of the tour, and I was impressed. They were great live, and I had never heard of them before that show.
Geebz! Can you check out the track Window of the Waking Mind by Coheed & Cambria? It's an interesting piece (rock opera, perhaps?) that spans a couple genres. Or if it's too long, 'Ladders of Supremacy' and 'Rise, Naianasha' are good candidates off their most recent album.
The thing about Ghost is that it was conceived from the very beginning to be a theatrical performance more than a "band". A lot of metal people don't understand that and I think that's where a lot of the conflict around the band comes from. Ghost is not a band that makes music with any kind of profound message, it's purely meant to be a performance piece for entertainment. That's something that has become pretty rare in music in general and especially in metal, people just aren't used to it. Aside from the first, Ghosts albums are all "concept" albums that have an over arching story being told. I'm not the biggest fan of their newer stuff but I can understand and appreciate what they're going for and they do it well.
Listen to Uriah Heep and Blue Oyster Cult, Tobias himself said this is who Ghost is. Tobias writes good songs man, they are seriously good. He is a student of good song writing, 70’s anthem rock. They are the best band out today!
Ghost are great songwriters, and draw from some of the best rock and metal from the 70's and 80's and give it modern production - with huge hooks. The main riff here sounds like something or Vivian Campbell (Dio) or Jake E Lee (Ozzy) would do. Anyone who complains they aren't "metal" enough needs to check themselves - Ghost doesn't claim to be metal. They don't care. Ghost are hugely popular, with lots of interest from all ages.
The problem with reacting to Ghost is a person may think they are hearing the "Ghost sound" by trying out one or two songs. This is not Slayer or Clutch or Fear Factory where every album sounds like Slayer or Clutch of Fear Factory or whatever. On some Ghost albums, every track is a different subgenre. I mean, album 1 Con Clavi Con Dio doesn't sound like Stand by Him. Album 2, Per Aspera Ad Inferi doesn't sound like Secular Haze which sounds NOTHING like Ghuleh/Zombie Queen which sounds NOTHING like Year Zero which sounds virtually nothing like Monstrance Clock. And just take Impera... the prog of Kaisarion into the ABBA meets Alice Cooper of Spillways into the pop rock Call Me Little Sunshine & Hunter's Moon into the Stixx & Boston sounding Watcher in the Sky into Ghost's version of Metallica' Through the Never into a love song about Satan into a song about religious grifters into an epic song about Jack the Ripper? And you think one or two reactions from different albums can give you scope?
Ghost is just phenomenal!! And yes, it does fill a void in modern rock!! I love all sorts of rock genres (death core, metal, post modern hardcore) but I definitely love what they do as well!
Going to see them live tomorrow, This album is a love letter to 80's rock and roll. They have a power ballad called in The Darkness in the heart of my love which is bar none my fav track on this album
I listen to a lot of different metal genres. Ghost is a great band if you’re looking for something weird, but simultaneously catchy with 80’s pop structures. I’ve been following them since Infestissimum, great band.
Ghost works for me because of all the different influences, but most important of all is the singing. I love bands like Maiden and Priest, Ozzy era Sabbath, Metallica etc. What makes these bans great is that they are heavy but with melody, and Ghost brings that back. Too many newer metal bands I hear the music and I love it but the second the "singer" starts screaming or growling doing the cookie monster thing I either laugh or I just tune out. If people don't like Ghost it's their loss.
The filling of the void and vacuum you're mentioning is in my opinion Ghost revisiting the classics and adapting 70's-80s rock/metal elements and wrapping it in a modern wrapping with their own twist on it. The fact that they are skilled musicians as well and with Tobias at wheel driving his vision forward, we will look back and say that Ghost is one of the greatest modern rock/metal bands in newer history. They are not done yet! Great reaction and thank you for letting us experience your first impressions and thoughts.
my favorite track from the recent ghost album, no matter what anyone says i like that ghost keeps changing it up even if it ends up kinda divisive to some fans, i don't have to like all of it but i appreciate them making it
@@sshhddoo9892 We couldn't make it to that one unfortunately. My wife and I did think it was funny that 10 years later, Mastodon is supporting Ghost. I'm sure it was an amazing show!🤘🤘🤘
This song is all about the drive, and message i guess (search light yo). Simple and repatitive, yet you keep coming back for it (personally listens to everything, especially prog) but ghost always works when the mood calls for it! Cheers man ✌
Yes, Ghost (Tobias) is pushing the limits of how "proggy" or "technical" you can get, while remaining hooky and radio friendly. Sure he hits a little on the poppy side sometimes, but he's got a couple of bangers in his pocket as well. Keeps the live shows LIVE. Which brings me to the next point; the musicians change occasionally. The only static member is the singer, who is also the primary song writer. But the musicians he gets are always top tier. Tobias himself grew up on classic hard rock and metal and is a great songwriter, with old school influences. Normally I don't like stuff that leans toward the pop side, but Ghost is the current champ pop metal hybrid in the business. From the Pinnacle to the Pit is probably my overall favorite, but they all get more bangery as you go back through the catalog. 🤘🧙♂️🤘 Rich the Ancient Metal Beast
Great breakdown/reaction! I think you're right on about the reason Ghost fans are drawn to them. This is like a B-tier song off the album though, would love to see Spillways, Kaisarion, or Griftwood
I would absolutely agree that Ghost fills that vacuum. That being said it's totally worth checking out some more of their diverse tracks. Darkness at the Heart of my Love, Ghuleh/Zombie Queen, Genesis, Deus in Absentia, Miasma, all full of incredible songwriting
I haven't heard anything from their new release, but I'm happy to be spoiled on it here! Ghost quickly became a favorite of mine, even though I got on the bandwagon late with _Meliora._ I am a huge music fan, and I listen to anything from classic rock to heavy, pounding metal, so I do know what you mean about there being a feeling of a "void" in the metal and heavy rock scene for music like this. People love to gravitate to their favorite genres, but it's always nice to have "fresh ears" and listen to something that's not 'popular' every once in a while. Very coincidental, because many would consider Ghost to be more of a pop/radio friendly side to the metal scene (less so nowadays, because you have so many acts coming around that bridge the gap there, like Babymetal.) They've quite literally become 'different' by bringing on a sound characteristic of past genres that were just on the verge of 'metal' music. You seemed to hit the nail on the head there, Geebz, when talking about the sound that the band wants to give off, because Tobias Forge has stated before that a lot of his influences in music were the big bands of the 70's and 80's, and you could absolutely hear that in Ghost, that sort of wall of sound influence from Boston, Styx, and even Kansas. Just listen to how he layers the vocals, too. That chorus style was all the rage, and in a band like Ghost, it just screams choir and church chorus. I forget sometimes how little you've done on them, but there's plenty for you to experience with Ghost. For a classic sound that many people associate with the band, I would suggest 2 off of _Infestissumam,_ everybody's favorite _Monstrance Clock_ and a great combo track _Ghuleh/Zombie Queen._ Like I said, I started listening to them with _Meliora_ so I would love for you to hear _From the Pinnacle to the Pit_ or _Absolution,_ such great tracks each of them. If anyone hasn't, I would recommend seeing some interviews that Tobias has made where he talks about not just Ghost, but his journey with music. He's very humble, and really puts forth his passions in music. Thanks for getting to more Ghost, Geebz! I can understand where some people come from with hating on the band, but if you just have the same sound spinning on the record player each time, it gets monotonous, you know? You have to change it up once in a while, and Ghost and Tobias changed up the scene quite a bit. Appreciate all you do, Geebz, I'm still here! Keep and rocking!🤙🤘
The fact Ghost takes from so many places and changes up the sound by the song is a strength. I think people struggle to appreciate their revelry in influences. Still, what we get is wholly new and fun as hell. And as you said, the sound of albums vary and you gotta bounce around to get the variety. Opus Eponymous does halloweenesque camp better than any other, and Impera is a huge 80s arena sound.
On the whole my fellow metal fans are great people, but then you stumble across some folks seemingly set on stripping the joy from the music. Sure, this is on the lighter side of metal, bordering on rock, but you could very well say that about any early 70s and 80s metal band. I think you’re absolutely right that this band fills a musical void in the scene, especially with the prevailing nostalgia for decades past. Ghost rocks and this record is just fantastic.
I’ve been a huge Ghost fan since the beginning. Here’s my take on the band. Yes, they give off a persona from their outfits, and their posts on social media, but their music is absolutely fantastic. Musically. Tobias is one of the best vocalists, because his voice is very smooth, and it kinda just grabs you over whatever type of instrumentation they’re making into a song. Their guitar players aren’t Eddie Van Halen, the drummer is not Joey Jordison, obviously, if a metal head wants metal, these guys are not the band to listen to. BUT. To ME, they write the type of music I grew up listening to, COMBINED with little hints of metal here and there. 80’s mixed with some proggy riffs just makes my day so much better. If you wanna hear some more by them, I highly suggest “Dance Macabre”, “There’s a darkness at the heart of my love”, “Absolution”. They’re a REALLY cool band, with a very catchy style. Elitists will always hate, but there are a lot of people, metalheads(including myself) who really enjoy them tho. Much love from Texas🖤 Love the channel🖤
If you’re ever in the market for more Ghost, I’d love for you to take a listen to “Twenties.” Super polarizing song-either you love or hate it. It incorporates a musical style you might not expect!
This song grabbed me by the hoohas when I first heard it. Reminds me of Defender's era Priest. Also, I really enjoy your interpretation circa 7:30 in your video about the "void" that Ghost is filling. It seems like they turn off a lot of hardcore metalheads by doing this, but also welcome a whole new group of metalheads in.
Hey Geebz, a band from my hometown of Melbourne have just released a masterpiece of modern metalcore called New Order from their upcoming album release Trinity. Exceptional band, full of compositional twists and turns that never fall to surprise.
Tobias Forge (the frontman of Ghost) is agnostic. He's not actually a Satanist, but the band does lean very heavily into satanic themes (see Year Zero). The band has a "backstory" that is literally too long to write here and I don't even know it myself. You could write an entire book on the lore he has created for the various incarnations of his stage name (Papa Emeritis I-IV, Cardinal Copia, etc) Lot of modern day metalheads shun Ghost, yes they have a lot of 80s pop sounds and hard rock influence, but their music is undeniably metal. Especially if you've ever seen them live you'll realize how heavy they actually are. I should be seeing them live for a second time in 3 days if all goes well.
Hey Geebz, got something for you I think you'll like, a little different. I'm a metal head yet I've been stuck on listening to "Silk Sonic" lately cause the musicianship & mixing are primo, I can't help myself. They're a modern take on Mo Town style & 70s early 80s funk. Anderson Paak & Bruno Mars. You've probably already heard some of their songs in passing but would love your reaction. 1st single was "Leave the Door Open" & is a great one to start with. Pure brain melter. "Smokin Out the Window" is another. They also do a killer cover of Con Fun Shun- "Love's Train" which I think you'd enjoy.
I started listening to ghost like 2 years ago, and I feel it's like a blow of fresh air off what has been released (rock in general) in the last few years. not saying that's better, just different, that 70s-80s style in their music is very welcome
Love the heavy riff in this track, wish they would use more of it! Really drags on at the end. But this whole album is addicting! The tracks I thought I didn't like even get stuck in my head :)
If I've understood it correctly then the style of Ghost and frontman Tobias Forge is heavily influenced by old school metal. A lot of vibes from Black Sabbath in a way that the music doesn't have to be the fastest or the heaviest but it has a certain darkness to it. Forge has stated that he doesn't enjoy modern metal and mainly listen to Sabbath, Maiden, Metallica and that kind of music with Rammstein as an insspiration for their image. He also includes pop and rock influences so for a lot of modern metal fans he's not seen as heavy enough to be considered metal. To me a lot of Ghost can be seen as heavy metal, hard rock and rock but at the end of the day who cares? It's good damn music no matter the label and I hope you'll get into more Ghost music!
Have only really listened to Rats by them, which I really dug, but this wasn't bad at all. The rhythm section stood out in that mix perfectly. Bass was thick and full without taking too much of the listening experience, and the drums were clear and easily heard, but not the focal point. I really dug the production in general, but am impressed with the bass and drums. And, damn they were locked in together like glue. IDK if they "snap-to" but they were tight and almost mirrored. Great vid as always 🤙
I'm a metalhead through and through. All the way from tech death and slam death metal to the classic metal/rock from the 70s and 80s... Ghost are an awesome band. Though this album is a further step towards the mainstream than where they've been before, it's still fantastic. This song especially gives stadium rock vibes. Everything they've done up until this point has been very good in its own way. Though the difference between the first album and most recent album is huge. The Prequelle and Meliora albums are probably the best examples of what Ghost is all about
They're a cool band with catchy songs. They also do a lot of live shows and festivals so they really get their name out there. The first time I heard Ghost was at Voodoo fest and I had no idea who they were. I noticed a lot of people wearing ghost shirts in the year leading up to that show and just kinda assumed they were an electronic band since thats what was getting popular at the time. I figured why not check them out while I was there and was honestly surprised to find out it was a satanic rock band and the show was amazing. I was instantly hooked and went on to listen to all their music and I am still a huge fan to this day. I would bet a lot of people had the same experience I did. I hope this helped you in understanding why they are so popular or at least why I think they are.
I'm a Ghost fan. A lot of metal elitists don't like them because it's radio friendly metal. As much as I enjoy 10 minute prog metal songs, or heavier stuff like Lorna Shore... I also love and have a place in my rotation for more approachable bands like Ghost when it's done well... which in my opinion, Ghost is.
Geebz, you need to look up videos on the fictional background of Ghost. Basically, they are part of a Satanist religion that resembles the structure of the Catholic Church. While other metal acts write songs about Satan, Ghost writes songs for Satan. So instead of thinking of their music as standard metal, it's more like religious hymns from a Bible. The next song off Impera I'd suggest is "Twenties". If you want more 70s sound react to the super underrated stoner rock band Monster Magnet. They have dozens of epic songs, but just can't get the fame they deserve. As for songs "Hallucination Bomb" or "Mindless Ones."
I love Ghost, my favorite band alongside Sabaton. But people say Ghoat is a troll band? I don't see that, I see they're a good band with a sense of humor. And, if they're just trolling, it's impressive that they went on tour with Metallica.
People just love to hate on Ghost cos of their quick rise to the top. They are not by any means a very heavy metal band but they never claimed to be. The metal scene have competed in being "heaviest" for quite sometime now and Ghost just strays in the different direction. I love their blend of Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult and poppy hooks. This song in particular sounds like something Saxon could've dropped when they became popular in the States lol 🤘
Magna Carta Cartel is worth a listen as well - Martin Persner carries on his excellent songwriting formula - Tobias uses this formula in many Ghost tracks. Subvision is also worth a look if you’d like to hear Tobias Forge et al in a more standard ‘rock’ presenation albeit with very apparent notes of what would become Ghost.
I agree on what you said about the "filling the gap" thing. I met people who are not into modern metal or even rock and still they love Ghost. They don't care if it is metal or not: they just love the melody and the rythm. In a world full of incredible, complex extreme metal, Ghost managed to come back to a more accessible style. I think it is because their songs are catchy, powerful and "cringe" in a very 80s fashion. By that I mean that they are very over the top, theatrical and provocatively eccessive, in a way that is reminescent of glam metal-like antics (not musically but in the attitude) and musically reminescent of Iron Maiden-like metal. Glam metal was fin, cringe and accessible. So is Ghost's music. Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were melodic, dramatic and has a whole fashion/lore/image surrounding them. People love Ghost in a similar way. They may not be my jam, but I recognize at least the fact that the hit the right feeling and found what people were missing: accessible, fun, over-the-top metal
Ghost was lightning in a bottle twice in a row with the first albums, but they're slowly fizzling out for me. There's something missing now. The Subvision albums were nice too. But this new stuff is not for me. I have no idea why, though.
Hello from New England.. I've been getting into GHOST lately..And say what you will about Ghost they do know how to write a hella catchy tune..Tobis the singer has said before that the look is pure stage craft and they are sort of trolling the whole music scene...Peace from the Northeast..
This is one solid album. If you want to review another track from this album that's a bit more technical and melodic, definately check out the track called "Respite on the spital fields". Another wonderful review by the master himself !! Glad you enjoyed this one, but I don't think it's worth to spend so much time talking about the hate this band has. Who cares in the end? As long as the listener enjoys what they are listening to, that's all that matters in my book.
Tobias has said one of the biggest influences on his songwriting is ABBA. So yeah, you're pretty much right on. He's very much into the 70's-80's classic rock sound.
And he likes to have fun with that. You look at their album covers and pictures of the band in full costume and you think extremely harsh vocals and death metal. Then they hit you with songs like this.
I think the whole package is genius.
Ghost is so damn catchy. Ever since Cirice I cant get enough.
Their performance of Cirice on Colbert's show a few years ago, was my introduction. Jumped down that rabbit hole, laughing and rocking.
That performance is on YT if you've never seen it. Pretty cool theatrics with the audience. Think it was Halloween/Samhain.
🤘🧙♂️🤘
That’s exactly how it went for me.
@@richpeltier9519 this is the only thing from Colbert that I’ve ever watched cause Ghost is awesome but Colbert is cringe af.
The fading out is a part of the theme of the song. The eternal search for a saviour from the sky. You got to understand that Tobias never does anything without a thought behind. Yes Tobias. Ghost is only Tobias Forge and not a band. The guitarist on this song and all the tracks on Impera is Fredrik Åkesson from Opeth. Masterful playing. The reason you recognize the sound of the past is because Tobias grew up listening to all this bands. From Abbs to Kansas, Styx, Journey to Kiss to Black and Death Metal. He just loves so much music and is able to mix it all together. I you want something different please react to Twenties by Ghost. Tobias describes that one like Slayer meets Missy Elliott.
I second “Twenties”!
Lmao, okay Tobias, nice burner
Ghost is a phenomenal band. Tobias Forge has definitely discovered “the formula”, & he employs it with precision. The more I listen to their music, the more I learn about the nuances of the formula, & from such a wonderfully talented perspective as theirs. Truly a joy to listen to ghost.
Well said!!
And thank God it's a great fórmula, rich, complex, beautiful. Unlike most flat ass, tasteless pop music... I MEAN THANK SATAN!
It's a very Swedish kind of songwriting IMO. They know the formula and they know how to bend it just right in order to keep it interesting. Yeah, this isn't the most original or technically impressive song ever, but it's done with such thoughtfulness that it becomes impressive anyway.
Nothing wrong with Ghost, people tend to take themselves too serious and detach from the lighthearted good fun.
Their latest is a 10/10 classic heavy rock album with lots of catchy melodies and hooks.
Lots of extreme bands out there for the more trve fellas in the metal crowd tho.
U da man
Ghost is too pop for some people. I as black metal fan first thought they'd be closer to Behemoth so I was shocked to hear it for the first time. But because anything 80's is my guilty pleasure I quickly learned to like it. Even spread it for some of my "purist" friends and lo' I went to Ghost concert with them wearing corpse paints and all.
Good stuff!
Their showmanship in concert is beyond excellent. I've been a casual fan of theirs for a while since my SO is pretty into them, but I didn't fully get it until we saw them in concert earlier this year. Now I'm hooked and I just gotta see then again in concert lol
Tobias Forge is influenced by the pop culture he experienced as a child, the the late 70s and the 80s. Hammer horror movies, Scooby doo, and not only metal but pop music also. Im the same age as he is and Ghost is nostalgic to me, but also very much their own thing . he's a phenomenal songwriter
The new Ghost album is a masterpiece. Save a move of one instrumental track, Tracks 7 and 8 should be swapped, but Darkness At The Heart Of My Love, and Respite On The Spitalfields are two amazingly composed songs. Those tracks, and if you listen with a tech ear to Call Me Little Sunshine, show the skill of this band.
I don't care who doesn't like these guys. I've been listening to rock/metal since i was tiny and Ghost have some really catchy stuff. The new album is tremendous. Tobias has other writers come in to help him out but the stuff is catchy as hell.
Hard to name a bad ghost song. They definitely I’m the zone music wise
Word 👏👏👏
Tobias is a genius. All of their albums are catchy af but my favorite album will always be Meloria cause Cirice slaps like no other. The music video is just as good.
Thank you! I’ve been trying to tell people this for years. Ghost fucking rocks 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Same. Ghost has become sort of a guilty pleasure for me. I can go from a playlist of Lamb of God, Gojira, Avatar, and In Flames, and to me, Ghost is just as great to listen to. I don’t think they will ever get the recognition and appreciation they deserve, but they have their own ‘underground’ cult-following, of which I’m a proud member. Tobias writes some great music which is hard to fully appreciate if you don’t play an instrument and try to learn their stuff.
Yes, ghost fills that Void. I am 80 metal and hair, I have loved ghost since the 1st time. Melodies got me into them
I'm 50 and it fills I void I didn't think I needed. I never really got into this era when I was growing up. I went from R&B to hardcore metal. But Ghost is like the perfect version of the music I avoided in my teens.
I grew up in the eighties and loving Maiden, Metallica, Ozzy, and others. Ghost just blends it all in such a unique way. You said it right: "Ghost has this classic, power, metaly vibe with a discernable hook. I am hooked!
They structured the album like a vinyl, so Watcher In The Sky is end of side one - and given the musical theme, it feels really apt.
Tobias said he was going with a Def Leppard hysteria feel . I think he nailed it
You're definitely right about Ghost going for a "pop-metal" sound and also being a throwback to 70's and 80's stylizations. In terms of the lore, the frontman, Tobias Forge, plays a character on stage. The entire band is sort of a parody of the Satanic Panic that was directed at bands like Metallica and Kiss in the 80s. Ghost's concerts are as much theatre as they are music, which is why they look and sound the way they do. If you have time to watch a concert, or even part of one, their "square" sound will start making a lot more sense. Its all tongue-in-cheek 😉 Great analysis as always!
Ghost is that perfect intersection where good songwriting, musicianship, vision, performance art, pop culture, and hooks meet. I’ve been a fan since hearing “Ritual” when their first album was released.
I think there was a void that Ghost tapped into. I’m into many genres, but Ghost - as pop music as they can sound - truly pull off a beautiful combination of theater with classic rock and multiple metal styles all in one. I can’t think of anyone else who does it at Ghost’s level. And not just their compositions, but their production improves with every new album. The music is still stimulating enough to me. I continue to hear nuances in their work. Tobias has his thumb on the pulse of his fans. I’m thankful that Ghost is still putting out great music.
Word 🤘
Amen.
This song is so addictive! The way it's evolving... just wow. The song is in my daily playlist since its release and I'm still not tired of it
The chord at the pre-chorus of "Communication is key" is one of the fattest things I have ever heard. It gets me every time.
One fun fact about this album Geebz is that the current guitarist for Opeth plays on this album. Mahalo Geebz!🤘🏽
Thank you so much for doing another Ghost reaction! This made my day!
I also reccomend "Spillways" and "Griftwood" from this album. Some others I would say are worth reacting to are "Faith", "Rats", "Kiss The Go-Goat " and the list can go on but I'll leave it at that for now.
Hit us with Kaisarion if you do more Ghost. It's literally one of my top 3 songs of all time. Toby Forge is just such a great great song writer and that's what it comes down to. Who cares if it is or isn't metal, if you like smart song writing it doesn't get much better. If you ever get a chance to see them live you need to do it.
The track oozes the feel of 70's power rock and arena rock. It felt like hearing Forigner, Journey and Boston for the first time all over again.
Whole album screams arena
As an old-timer, this song brings me back to high school and hearing a great new song by Blue Oyster Cult on the local FM rock station. Clearly there is space in the market for a BOC/Styx/Journey/Foreigner type of band. I also listen to much heavier/darker/dissonant bands, so for me Ghost is a breath of fresh air.
Their new album is fucking killer, just have a listen!
I was introduced to GHOST around Halloween about seven years ago. The song was Cirice. One listen and I was hooked. Did the whole deep dive thing and now I have quite the collection. For me, GHOST is the new KISS, if not better. I truly believe that. Just outstanding musicianship mixed with A-List talent as far stage presence and performance. Go see them in concert if you can!!!
I haven't thought about it that way... I totally agree with you that Ghost fills a need for a more radio friendly song that is at the same time rock and fricking roll.
For me this song could have been a lost ozzyvtrack almost, maybe Gus G on guitar
Listen to the music, and the conversation is done. It is ALL about music! Being happy and having fun! It's very simple. Talented guy (Tobias) doing his thing.
Yes. They are filling a void. I just mentioned this not too long ago,,,where are all the rock bands with like an 80's vibe?!. Lo and behold, I found Ghost. Too late to go see them this year...BTW, they call it going to Ritual. 🖤☻️👻
The reason ghost has 10 million listens currently is from a tik tok meme, from a song of theirs called Mary on a cross. It's actually making some fans real mad, they're kind of skyrocketing in popularity for a lot of reasons right now. Personally I love the idea of any kind of rock or metal getting into the teens and tik tok kids. Also I love ghost so it's great.
I love when bands get a boost like that. Hardcore fans will be mad, but just means the band is getting more money for what they do. And more people are exposed to the music.
It’s crazy. I remember a few months ago they were hovering around 1-2 million listeners before Impera. Now they’re at 12 million. It’s awesome
Ghost rules! You get a like just for showing love by picking a song of theirs that’s great
All of the latest album is deserving of a deep-dive. It's got a stellar production, catchy songwriting, and fun instrumentalisation
That horrible cymbal though...
Woot! We need more Ghost on this channel! Dance Macabre, or Call me Little Sunshine next! ❤ you’re the man Geebz
Saw them open for Iron Maiden on "The Book of Souls" tour in Brooklyn, NY, which was the last show of the tour, and I was impressed. They were great live, and I had never heard of them before that show.
Every word, every note has meaning and that is the mastery behind Tobias and his creativity.
Geebz! Can you check out the track Window of the Waking Mind by Coheed & Cambria? It's an interesting piece (rock opera, perhaps?) that spans a couple genres. Or if it's too long, 'Ladders of Supremacy' and 'Rise, Naianasha' are good candidates off their most recent album.
The thing about Ghost is that it was conceived from the very beginning to be a theatrical performance more than a "band". A lot of metal people don't understand that and I think that's where a lot of the conflict around the band comes from. Ghost is not a band that makes music with any kind of profound message, it's purely meant to be a performance piece for entertainment. That's something that has become pretty rare in music in general and especially in metal, people just aren't used to it. Aside from the first, Ghosts albums are all "concept" albums that have an over arching story being told. I'm not the biggest fan of their newer stuff but I can understand and appreciate what they're going for and they do it well.
Listen to Uriah Heep and Blue Oyster Cult, Tobias himself said this is who Ghost is. Tobias writes good songs man, they are seriously good. He is a student of good song writing, 70’s anthem rock. They are the best band out today!
Get a chance to see their live shows and see that they are just theater nerds who create incredible music
Ghost are great songwriters, and draw from some of the best rock and metal from the 70's and 80's and give it modern production - with huge hooks. The main riff here sounds like something or Vivian Campbell (Dio) or Jake E Lee (Ozzy) would do. Anyone who complains they aren't "metal" enough needs to check themselves - Ghost doesn't claim to be metal. They don't care. Ghost are hugely popular, with lots of interest from all ages.
TF built the album to be listened to on vinyl. That's why you have the super-clean fade on Watcher.
The problem with reacting to Ghost is a person may think they are hearing the "Ghost sound" by trying out one or two songs. This is not Slayer or Clutch or Fear Factory where every album sounds like Slayer or Clutch of Fear Factory or whatever. On some Ghost albums, every track is a different subgenre. I mean, album 1 Con Clavi Con Dio doesn't sound like Stand by Him. Album 2, Per Aspera Ad Inferi doesn't sound like Secular Haze which sounds NOTHING like Ghuleh/Zombie Queen which sounds NOTHING like Year Zero which sounds virtually nothing like Monstrance Clock. And just take Impera... the prog of Kaisarion into the ABBA meets Alice Cooper of Spillways into the pop rock Call Me Little Sunshine & Hunter's Moon into the Stixx & Boston sounding Watcher in the Sky into Ghost's version of Metallica' Through the Never into a love song about Satan into a song about religious grifters into an epic song about Jack the Ripper? And you think one or two reactions from different albums can give you scope?
Ghost is just phenomenal!! And yes, it does fill a void in modern rock!! I love all sorts of rock genres (death core, metal, post modern hardcore) but I definitely love what they do as well!
My personal favorite song from this album is "Griftwood". It's just soooo good.
I may out on a limb but I feel like they are or might be in-part responsible for bringing back guitar rock and guitar solos to mainstream music.
Going to see them live tomorrow, This album is a love letter to 80's rock and roll. They have a power ballad called in The Darkness in the heart of my love which is bar none my fav track on this album
I listen to a lot of different metal genres. Ghost is a great band if you’re looking for something weird, but simultaneously catchy with 80’s pop structures. I’ve been following them since Infestissimum, great band.
Ghost works for me because of all the different influences, but most important of all is the singing. I love bands like Maiden and Priest, Ozzy era Sabbath, Metallica etc. What makes these bans great is that they are heavy but with melody, and Ghost brings that back. Too many newer metal bands I hear the music and I love it but the second the "singer" starts screaming or growling doing the cookie monster thing I either laugh or I just tune out. If people don't like Ghost it's their loss.
The filling of the void and vacuum you're mentioning is in my opinion Ghost revisiting the classics and adapting 70's-80s rock/metal elements and wrapping it in a modern wrapping with their own twist on it. The fact that they are skilled musicians as well and with Tobias at wheel driving his vision forward, we will look back and say that Ghost is one of the greatest modern rock/metal bands in newer history. They are not done yet! Great reaction and thank you for letting us experience your first impressions and thoughts.
I have the feeling since I’m listening to ghost ..the sparks of metal are getting on me and I feel more part of it
I’m an old metal fan but I like them. Great riffs.
my favorite track from the recent ghost album, no matter what anyone says i like that ghost keeps changing it up even if it ends up kinda divisive to some fans, i don't have to like all of it but i appreciate them making it
this guitar solo gets me movin every time!
Saw Ghost open for Opeth / Mastodon on the Heritage Hunter Tour. Been a fan ever since. 🤘🤘🤘
Just saw Ghost/Mastodon/Spiritbox couple weeks ago and they killed it
@@sshhddoo9892 We couldn't make it to that one unfortunately. My wife and I did think it was funny that 10 years later, Mastodon is supporting Ghost.
I'm sure it was an amazing show!🤘🤘🤘
This song is all about the drive, and message i guess (search light yo). Simple and repatitive, yet you keep coming back for it (personally listens to everything, especially prog) but ghost always works when the mood calls for it! Cheers man ✌
Yes, Ghost (Tobias) is pushing the limits of how "proggy" or "technical" you can get, while remaining hooky and radio friendly.
Sure he hits a little on the poppy side sometimes, but he's got a couple of bangers in his pocket as well. Keeps the live shows LIVE.
Which brings me to the next point; the musicians change occasionally. The only static member is the singer, who is also the primary song writer. But the musicians he gets are always top tier.
Tobias himself grew up on classic hard rock and metal and is a great songwriter, with old school influences.
Normally I don't like stuff that leans toward the pop side, but Ghost is the current champ pop metal hybrid in the business.
From the Pinnacle to the Pit is probably my overall favorite, but they all get more bangery as you go back through the catalog.
🤘🧙♂️🤘
Rich the Ancient Metal Beast
I love black metal like Emperor and Mork and Dark Throne, but I also love and appreciate Ghost. Metal elitist gatekeepers are morons.
Try Repugnant. It's Tobias old Death Metal band 🤘
Great breakdown/reaction! I think you're right on about the reason Ghost fans are drawn to them. This is like a B-tier song off the album though, would love to see Spillways, Kaisarion, or Griftwood
They do fill a vacuum for me. Part of what I love about them is their 70s and 80s influence. Def Leppard, Maiden ect.
I would absolutely agree that Ghost fills that vacuum. That being said it's totally worth checking out some more of their diverse tracks. Darkness at the Heart of my Love, Ghuleh/Zombie Queen, Genesis, Deus in Absentia, Miasma, all full of incredible songwriting
I just don't consider them metal and proceed to enjoy. Problem solved. They make great music.
I haven't heard anything from their new release, but I'm happy to be spoiled on it here! Ghost quickly became a favorite of mine, even though I got on the bandwagon late with _Meliora._ I am a huge music fan, and I listen to anything from classic rock to heavy, pounding metal, so I do know what you mean about there being a feeling of a "void" in the metal and heavy rock scene for music like this. People love to gravitate to their favorite genres, but it's always nice to have "fresh ears" and listen to something that's not 'popular' every once in a while. Very coincidental, because many would consider Ghost to be more of a pop/radio friendly side to the metal scene (less so nowadays, because you have so many acts coming around that bridge the gap there, like Babymetal.) They've quite literally become 'different' by bringing on a sound characteristic of past genres that were just on the verge of 'metal' music.
You seemed to hit the nail on the head there, Geebz, when talking about the sound that the band wants to give off, because Tobias Forge has stated before that a lot of his influences in music were the big bands of the 70's and 80's, and you could absolutely hear that in Ghost, that sort of wall of sound influence from Boston, Styx, and even Kansas. Just listen to how he layers the vocals, too. That chorus style was all the rage, and in a band like Ghost, it just screams choir and church chorus.
I forget sometimes how little you've done on them, but there's plenty for you to experience with Ghost. For a classic sound that many people associate with the band, I would suggest 2 off of _Infestissumam,_ everybody's favorite _Monstrance Clock_ and a great combo track _Ghuleh/Zombie Queen._ Like I said, I started listening to them with _Meliora_ so I would love for you to hear _From the Pinnacle to the Pit_ or _Absolution,_ such great tracks each of them.
If anyone hasn't, I would recommend seeing some interviews that Tobias has made where he talks about not just Ghost, but his journey with music. He's very humble, and really puts forth his passions in music.
Thanks for getting to more Ghost, Geebz! I can understand where some people come from with hating on the band, but if you just have the same sound spinning on the record player each time, it gets monotonous, you know? You have to change it up once in a while, and Ghost and Tobias changed up the scene quite a bit.
Appreciate all you do, Geebz, I'm still here!
Keep and rocking!🤙🤘
The fact Ghost takes from so many places and changes up the sound by the song is a strength. I think people struggle to appreciate their revelry in influences. Still, what we get is wholly new and fun as hell.
And as you said, the sound of albums vary and you gotta bounce around to get the variety. Opus Eponymous does halloweenesque camp better than any other, and Impera is a huge 80s arena sound.
Considering your musical forte, you would love "He Is". That song is right up your alley.
It's like watered-down and much less convincing Savatage. Yeah, I know, old man yelling at cloud
On the whole my fellow metal fans are great people, but then you stumble across some folks seemingly set on stripping the joy from the music. Sure, this is on the lighter side of metal, bordering on rock, but you could very well say that about any early 70s and 80s metal band. I think you’re absolutely right that this band fills a musical void in the scene, especially with the prevailing nostalgia for decades past. Ghost rocks and this record is just fantastic.
I've been a rock fan since the 80s. I still listen to 80s, 90s and a bit of modern rock. I first heard Ghost 6 mths ago and they are my new fav band 🤟
I’ve been a huge Ghost fan since the beginning. Here’s my take on the band. Yes, they give off a persona from their outfits, and their posts on social media, but their music is absolutely fantastic. Musically. Tobias is one of the best vocalists, because his voice is very smooth, and it kinda just grabs you over whatever type of instrumentation they’re making into a song. Their guitar players aren’t Eddie Van Halen, the drummer is not Joey Jordison, obviously, if a metal head wants metal, these guys are not the band to listen to. BUT. To ME, they write the type of music I grew up listening to, COMBINED with little hints of metal here and there. 80’s mixed with some proggy riffs just makes my day so much better. If you wanna hear some more by them, I highly suggest “Dance Macabre”, “There’s a darkness at the heart of my love”, “Absolution”. They’re a REALLY cool band, with a very catchy style. Elitists will always hate, but there are a lot of people, metalheads(including myself) who really enjoy them tho. Much love from Texas🖤 Love the channel🖤
If you’re ever in the market for more Ghost, I’d love for you to take a listen to “Twenties.” Super polarizing song-either you love or hate it. It incorporates a musical style you might not expect!
GHOST is a bit of an enigma , difficult to pigeon hole but they always entertain , and isn't that what music is about ?
I love heavy guitars, but I hate singers who growl/shout. Tobias sings, love it.
This song grabbed me by the hoohas when I first heard it. Reminds me of Defender's era Priest. Also, I really enjoy your interpretation circa 7:30 in your video about the "void" that Ghost is filling. It seems like they turn off a lot of hardcore metalheads by doing this, but also welcome a whole new group of metalheads in.
Hey Geebz, a band from my hometown of Melbourne have just released a masterpiece of modern metalcore called New Order from their upcoming album release Trinity. Exceptional band, full of compositional twists and turns that never fall to surprise.
Tobias Forge (the frontman of Ghost) is agnostic. He's not actually a Satanist, but the band does lean very heavily into satanic themes (see Year Zero). The band has a "backstory" that is literally too long to write here and I don't even know it myself. You could write an entire book on the lore he has created for the various incarnations of his stage name (Papa Emeritis I-IV, Cardinal Copia, etc)
Lot of modern day metalheads shun Ghost, yes they have a lot of 80s pop sounds and hard rock influence, but their music is undeniably metal. Especially if you've ever seen them live you'll realize how heavy they actually are. I should be seeing them live for a second time in 3 days if all goes well.
Most Satanists are actually atheist. I doubt there are many actual devil worshippers out there.
"look at us we're so cool worshipping Satan and Aleister Crowley, wooo"
cringe
@Dark Waters Exactly
Hey Geebz, got something for you I think you'll like, a little different. I'm a metal head yet I've been stuck on listening to "Silk Sonic" lately cause the musicianship & mixing are primo, I can't help myself. They're a modern take on Mo Town style & 70s early 80s funk. Anderson Paak & Bruno Mars. You've probably already heard some of their songs in passing but would love your reaction.
1st single was "Leave the Door Open" & is a great one to start with. Pure brain melter. "Smokin Out the Window" is another.
They also do a killer cover of Con Fun Shun- "Love's Train" which I think you'd enjoy.
I started listening to ghost like 2 years ago, and I feel it's like a blow of fresh air off what has been released (rock in general) in the last few years. not saying that's better, just different, that 70s-80s style in their music is very welcome
Love the heavy riff in this track, wish they would use more of it! Really drags on at the end. But this whole album is addicting! The tracks I thought I didn't like even get stuck in my head :)
You should totally do Kaisarion if you haven't already. It's such a good song.
If I've understood it correctly then the style of Ghost and frontman Tobias Forge is heavily influenced by old school metal. A lot of vibes from Black Sabbath in a way that the music doesn't have to be the fastest or the heaviest but it has a certain darkness to it. Forge has stated that he doesn't enjoy modern metal and mainly listen to Sabbath, Maiden, Metallica and that kind of music with Rammstein as an insspiration for their image. He also includes pop and rock influences so for a lot of modern metal fans he's not seen as heavy enough to be considered metal. To me a lot of Ghost can be seen as heavy metal, hard rock and rock but at the end of the day who cares? It's good damn music no matter the label and I hope you'll get into more Ghost music!
Have only really listened to Rats by them, which I really dug, but this wasn't bad at all. The rhythm section stood out in that mix perfectly. Bass was thick and full without taking too much of the listening experience, and the drums were clear and easily heard, but not the focal point. I really dug the production in general, but am impressed with the bass and drums. And, damn they were locked in together like glue. IDK if they "snap-to" but they were tight and almost mirrored.
Great vid as always 🤙
Ghost is satanic Blue Oyster Cult, and I love it
You have to react to more of their older stuff. Year Zero has one of the most iconic intros in rock
I'm a metalhead through and through. All the way from tech death and slam death metal to the classic metal/rock from the 70s and 80s... Ghost are an awesome band. Though this album is a further step towards the mainstream than where they've been before, it's still fantastic. This song especially gives stadium rock vibes. Everything they've done up until this point has been very good in its own way. Though the difference between the first album and most recent album is huge. The Prequelle and Meliora albums are probably the best examples of what Ghost is all about
Hell yeah Geebz, it's a fun band
I don’t hate Ghost or anything but I just don’t understand the popularity.
They're a cool band with catchy songs. They also do a lot of live shows and festivals so they really get their name out there. The first time I heard Ghost was at Voodoo fest and I had no idea who they were. I noticed a lot of people wearing ghost shirts in the year leading up to that show and just kinda assumed they were an electronic band since thats what was getting popular at the time. I figured why not check them out while I was there and was honestly surprised to find out it was a satanic rock band and the show was amazing. I was instantly hooked and went on to listen to all their music and I am still a huge fan to this day. I would bet a lot of people had the same experience I did. I hope this helped you in understanding why they are so popular or at least why I think they are.
This whole album is a masterclass in production
I'm a Ghost fan. A lot of metal elitists don't like them because it's radio friendly metal. As much as I enjoy 10 minute prog metal songs, or heavier stuff like Lorna Shore... I also love and have a place in my rotation for more approachable bands like Ghost when it's done well... which in my opinion, Ghost is.
He needs to listen to Respite on the Spitalfields
Geebz, you need to look up videos on the fictional background of Ghost. Basically, they are part of a Satanist religion that resembles the structure of the Catholic Church. While other metal acts write songs about Satan, Ghost writes songs for Satan. So instead of thinking of their music as standard metal, it's more like religious hymns from a Bible.
The next song off Impera I'd suggest is "Twenties".
If you want more 70s sound react to the super underrated stoner rock band Monster Magnet. They have dozens of epic songs, but just can't get the fame they deserve. As for songs "Hallucination Bomb" or "Mindless Ones."
Can you react to A perfect circle - weak and powerless ?? It’s such a beautiful beautiful song
I love Ghost, my favorite band alongside Sabaton. But people say Ghoat is a troll band? I don't see that, I see they're a good band with a sense of humor. And, if they're just trolling, it's impressive that they went on tour with Metallica.
People just love to hate on Ghost cos of their quick rise to the top. They are not by any means a very heavy metal band but they never claimed to be. The metal scene have competed in being "heaviest" for quite sometime now and Ghost just strays in the different direction.
I love their blend of Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult and poppy hooks. This song in particular sounds like something Saxon could've dropped when they became popular in the States lol 🤘
Magna Carta Cartel is worth a listen as well - Martin Persner carries on his excellent songwriting formula - Tobias uses this formula in many Ghost tracks. Subvision is also worth a look if you’d like to hear Tobias Forge et al in a more standard ‘rock’ presenation albeit with very apparent notes of what would become Ghost.
I love heavy music...that being said, Ghost is awesome. Super catchy and fun, and one of the best bands to see live!
saw them live a week ago with mastodon. was an amazing show.
I agree on what you said about the "filling the gap" thing. I met people who are not into modern metal or even rock and still they love Ghost. They don't care if it is metal or not: they just love the melody and the rythm. In a world full of incredible, complex extreme metal, Ghost managed to come back to a more accessible style.
I think it is because their songs are catchy, powerful and "cringe" in a very 80s fashion. By that I mean that they are very over the top, theatrical and provocatively eccessive, in a way that is reminescent of glam metal-like antics (not musically but in the attitude) and musically reminescent of Iron Maiden-like metal.
Glam metal was fin, cringe and accessible. So is Ghost's music.
Iron Maiden and Judas Priest were melodic, dramatic and has a whole fashion/lore/image surrounding them. People love Ghost in a similar way.
They may not be my jam, but I recognize at least the fact that the hit the right feeling and found what people were missing: accessible, fun, over-the-top metal
Ghost was lightning in a bottle twice in a row with the first albums, but they're slowly fizzling out for me. There's something missing now.
The Subvision albums were nice too.
But this new stuff is not for me. I have no idea why, though.
I'm old enough to remember controversy about John Lennon, Ozzy Osborne, Alice Cooper, etc. Same old, same old.
I love your plug in the background.
Listen to Griftwood and Respite on the Spitalfields off this album masterpieces and so catchy
Hello from New England.. I've been getting into GHOST lately..And say what you will about Ghost they do know how to write a hella catchy tune..Tobis the singer has said before that the look is pure stage craft and they are sort of trolling the whole music scene...Peace from the Northeast..
Your articulate view is much appreciated by myself. Thank you. 😊❤️
This is one solid album. If you want to review another track from this album that's a bit more technical and melodic, definately check out the track called "Respite on the spital fields". Another wonderful review by the master himself !! Glad you enjoyed this one, but I don't think it's worth to spend so much time talking about the hate this band has. Who cares in the end? As long as the listener enjoys what they are listening to, that's all that matters in my book.