I find it startling how much Ghost is hated on by metalheads these days. I understand not liking their more pop focused output but that first album is still incredible and is definitely metal.
It’s just the trendy thing to do. They see that a band is getting big and they have to try to appear one step ahead of the cool curve by hating on it. Happens all the time unfortunately.
@@neonspecmy friend was into Ghost on their first album and played them all the time, when he heard Secular Haze from their second album he wouldn't listen to them anymore. I got into them once I heard Year Zero.
Its standard elitism gatekeeping. Music enjoyers tend to get especially insecure about their music taste since it feels like a big part of your identity and you want to defend it i guess. I say if youre even giving this kinda music a shot im happy for you. I imagine the road to the metal for most is gradual aswell, i mean i didnt start with braindrill or slayer or wtf ever so if youre gonna be excluding Ghost as metal atleast appreciate them as a gateway drug
Ghost is going to have one of the best “Best Of Ghost” albums one of these years. Each album has 2 or 3 bangers on it that will stand the test of time.
They released a best hits album this year, it’s called 13 Commandments, with the addition of one new song. Unfortunately no songs from the first album due to record rights.
Agree on the comparison with AC's Poison, TF is definitely a student of songwriting and has learned from Desmond Child. Some other favorite songwriting from Ghost are Rats and Pinnacle to the Pit. Will be interested to hear your thoughts on the new movie. I thought it was great as a pure concert film...TF should be commended for his ambition and effort to always push this band to the next level.
Favorite Occult/Psych Noir & the Mystery of Jex Thoth I agree with your overall rankings and disappointment with Impera. I first saw Ghost with Blood Ceremony in Chicago in 2012, and the audience was vibrating with anticipation. That's where I first learned of the connection with Repugnant, who I went back to listen to. I wonder if the Ghost mystique elevated Repugnant's esteem? Either way, they're pretty good. A friend of mine LURVES Ghost, so I saw them live three more times. I probably wouldn't have if it weren't for him, because I'm not a super fan. I wrote a piece in 2015 called "Kaleidoscopes & Grimoires: Psych Noir" that includes Ghost, along with occult psych pioneers Jex Thoth, The Devil's Blood, Blood Ceremony and Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, who I listen to much more than Ghost. Here's some psych noir recommendations fans of early Ghost might like. For brevity I just included one album per artist, but most have more. I know you're familiar with nearly all of them -- which are your favorites in addition to Roky and Uncle Acid? Also, there's a bit of a mystery with Jex Thoth. The last time I saw them in 2014, Jessica (Jex) said they were working on a new album and it would be out by the end of the year. No third album came, and I haven't been able to find a single clue as to what happened to them. Have you heard anything? 1. Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats - Blood Lust (Rise Above, 2011) 2. Large Plants - The Thorn (Ghost Box, 2023) 3. Rosalie Cunningham - Rosalie Cunningham (Esoteric Antenna, 2019) 4. Purson - Desire's Magic Theatre (Spinefarm, 2016) 5. Blood Ceremony - The Old Ways Remain (Rise Above, 2023) 6. Molassess - Through The Hollow (Season Of Mist, 2020) 7. Lola Colt - Twist Through The Fire (Black Tigress, 2016) 8. Jess and the Ancient Ones - Jess and the Ancient Ones (Svart, 2012) 9. Roky Erickson And The Aliens - The Evil One (415/Light In The Attic, 1981) 10. The Sea Kings - Woke In The Devil's Arms (Iffy Folk, 2014) 12. Jex Thoth - Blood Moon Rise (I Hate Records, 2013) 13. The Devil's Blood - The Thousandfold Epicentre (Van/Profound Lore, 2011) Bubblin' under: Lucifer, Mansion, Lucid Sins, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows, Messa, Vitskär Süden, Serpent Venom, The Black Angels, Blood Farmers, Rosegarden Funeral Party, The Oath, The Exploding Eyes Orchestra, Lord Buffalo, The Janitors, Avatarium, Dead Skeletons.
Infestissumam is mostly amazing. Side one is absolutely perfect..incredible. Side two is great but has a few tunes I'm not super crazy about: Idolatrine and Depth of Satan's Eyes. Otherwise it's a banger. Love the vibe actually.
Good video. Appreciate the recommendations! Big fan of Alice Cooper so I’m familiar with Trash but I’ll definitely check those other bands out. I’m a huge Ghost fan. They’re one of my all time favourite bands. I’ve loved all of their albums and I like that they all have their own unique vibe. I don’t understand or agree at all with your critique of Impera (particularly the lyrics). The lyrics aren’t “stupid” at all (except for maybe Twenties but even then I’d argue it’s part of the point of the concept of the song/album). To me that album lyrically is the most conceptual and intricate thing Tobias has written so far. If anything, I think the “dumbest” album lyrically is Opus Eponymous. I love Opus to death but, come on, it’s basically just about devil worship for the most part. The more recent albums have way more depth lyrically while still being “satanic” in a more subtle and clever way. I’m also glad that you moved Meiora and Prequelle into A Tier because there is no universe where Popestar is better than those 2 killer records 😜. But hey, opinions and shit. Totally agree on October Rust btw 🤘 and Mob Rules and Blackwater Park. You got good taste in production!
I feel like "Meliora" was the album where they quit being a "band" so to speak. I can't say for certain obviously, but that might have been the last album that carried over members from the two previous records. "Prequelle" is where it really became apparent to me that this is the Tobias Forge show and he was really the sole member. I'm also a big cinephile so I do love Roman Polanski and I love "Rosemary's Baby", but for me "Chinatown" is his real masterpiece.
If you look at the songwriting and performance credits, the first album actually most closely resembles a “solo” album. Tobias is the only credited songwriter. From the second album on, bandmates/producers/ghost writers got involved.
The first album was all Tobias. The second and third album Martin was the other main contributer, but he quit to focus on MCC I believe. Martin was also not involved in the lawsuit. All the nameless ghouls involved in the suit lost and were also forced to pay Tobias's legal fees.
Another great video Nate. To me, BOC’s Fire of Unknown Origin and Revolution By Night are Ghost albums before Ghost ever existed. The song Vengeance (The Pact) is reeking of pure Ghost goodness. Thanks for the recommendations, I’ll check out Ashbury and Witch Hazel today.
I’m glad you mentioned the song bible I hadn’t heard it before and am glad I checked it out. I didn’t love impera or phantomine but they had moments. Little sunshine and watcher in the skies were good and see no evil is a great cover
@@BornTooNate Will look out for it! Also could be cool to do a ranking of great releases from classic labels - maybe even Rise Above as you mention in the vid!
My wife and I listenedd to their debut and Infestissumam back-to-back while driving from Santa Fe to Las Cruces in 2013. I think Infestissumam had only just come out. Driving through the desert listening to Ghost. Good times. Got to get back to New Mexico.
I've got a friend with "virgin ears" and he just got into Ghost this year after hearing "Square Hammer" on his own. I've pushed him to like this band for awhile but he didn't get it or couldn't connect with it til now. And even now that he loves them, mainly "Square Hammer" and tracks off of "Impera", he won't go back and listen to every record from the beginning. This frustrates me and baffles me because as a fan with any band or metal in general, I treat it as if I'm a historian, I like to go back and hear the influences of modern bands. I like to know where it all comes from and be educated on the stuff I love.
Square Hammer is an absolute monster of a song. I consider it one of the best songs ever as well... I've tried to get a few people into Ghost through Square Hammer and they all complain that their other songs aren't as good, hahah I could never get into Impera. I thought seeing some of those songs live might convert me but most of them still don't do much for me. also, maybe it was just my show but their fanbase got super super young as they blew up. I'm in my late 30s and felt old as fuck being there, more so than any show I can remember.
I believe Coachella (if I'm spelling that right) was Ghost's U.S. debut, I wanna say, from when I first heard about them. Never fact checked it, though,. Blew my mind. Every metal fan I knew dug it. Though we all referred to the style as "satanic Beatles". It's so wild that you mention the new song reminding you of the first album. I just discovered the song before seeing what new videos were up on RUclips, and had the very same reaction. Would be really fucking cool, if he revisits that style with all that he's learned since.
I have a solid recommend for you Nate. The band Spidergawd from Norway. Their name is not the best, but their latest record is really cool. Definitely on the AOR spectrum. Plus they have a saxophonist. Check that shit out!
To be honest , I’ve only heard the first one since I was very happy with what Rise Above was doing at the time and I still like this album today , it didn’t blown me away or anything , but it was a solid first record with a very good production . I still don’t get all the negativity that came after towards the band , it is bizarre, but not surprising at the same time since we are talking about “The metal community” here.
We have a different ranking lol. Ghost's second album got me hooked. I heard the first album lots, but it never grabbed me, it was the song Year Zero that sold me. Love that song. Meloria is peak Ghost, but He Is became the first Ghost song I'd skip. I wasn't a fan of Prequelle. The album blows it's load to quick. After the 3rd song it just meanders along with too many instrumentals and low energy, low-mid tempo songs and ballads. Imperia was much better. It was better balanced with the heavier/faster tracks more evenly dispersed throughout, instead of having the heaviest tracks at the beginning like Prequelle.
I soon as i heard Impera i said that the album would win many awards cause its a really good rock album. But its the last Album i go to,, to listen to Ghost. Give me OPUS all day long mixed with year Zero, Witch Image, Absolution, and rats....
The first ghost record is special. An all time classic across all genres, and time periods of music. The rest of the discography is not for me personally. But it’s not because I’m that first album/demo KVLT metal guy. To prove it I recommend Subvision-“so far so noir” it sounds like the same musicians from the first ghost record to my ears. Ghost is not metal IMO. Subvision is straight up coffee shop indie rock. ruclips.net/p/OLAK5uy_khgXe1pPTHsmt4mTfnA08nJAxaLLcOZYE&si=f-D80F7FLgSmAJ_v
@@BornTooNate Thanks! It was a headline that reminded me of and S.O.D./agoraphobic nosebleed song title. But it is also true, and an interesting worm hole to go down. Gender transformation to avoid manslaughter charges!?!? Another good title hahaha
Ghost’s cover of Phantom of the Opera is so good. The polish on that song compared to the first Maiden album is amazing. My favorite version is still Maiden’s Live After Death but Ghost is a close second
repugnant doesn’t get enough recognition when tobias was in that band that was some supreme bad ass awesome perfect death metal you hear a little bit of mary goore come out during mummy dust
![Twenty One Pilots - “The Line” (from Arcane Season 2) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E2Rj2gQAyPA/mqdefault.jpg)
I find it startling how much Ghost is hated on by metalheads these days. I understand not liking their more pop focused output but that first album is still incredible and is definitely metal.
It’s just the trendy thing to do. They see that a band is getting big and they have to try to appear one step ahead of the cool curve by hating on it. Happens all the time unfortunately.
@@neonspecmy friend was into Ghost on their first album and played them all the time, when he heard Secular Haze from their second album he wouldn't listen to them anymore. I got into them once I heard Year Zero.
Its standard elitism gatekeeping. Music enjoyers tend to get especially insecure about their music taste since it feels like a big part of your identity and you want to defend it i guess. I say if youre even giving this kinda music a shot im happy for you. I imagine the road to the metal for most is gradual aswell, i mean i didnt start with braindrill or slayer or wtf ever so if youre gonna be excluding Ghost as metal atleast appreciate them as a gateway drug
I always tell people it doesn’t matter if they are considered rock, metal, or something else…call it what you want. I like it!
Ghost has made their way into my fav metal bands of all time.....
Opeth
Ghost
Cannibal Corpse
Taake
Windir
Darkthrone
Satyricon
Black Sabbath
Ghost is going to have one of the best “Best Of Ghost” albums one of these years. Each album has 2 or 3 bangers on it that will stand the test of time.
Absolutely! Good to see ya here brotha, been a while
They released a best hits album this year, it’s called 13 Commandments, with the addition of one new song. Unfortunately no songs from the first album due to record rights.
Agree on the comparison with AC's Poison, TF is definitely a student of songwriting and has learned from Desmond Child.
Some other favorite songwriting from Ghost are Rats and Pinnacle to the Pit.
Will be interested to hear your thoughts on the new movie. I thought it was great as a pure concert film...TF should be commended for his ambition and effort to always push this band to the next level.
I’ll watch it at some point for sure
Favorite Occult/Psych Noir & the Mystery of Jex Thoth
I agree with your overall rankings and disappointment with Impera. I first saw Ghost with Blood Ceremony in Chicago in 2012, and the audience was vibrating with anticipation. That's where I first learned of the connection with Repugnant, who I went back to listen to. I wonder if the Ghost mystique elevated Repugnant's esteem? Either way, they're pretty good. A friend of mine LURVES Ghost, so I saw them live three more times. I probably wouldn't have if it weren't for him, because I'm not a super fan. I wrote a piece in 2015 called "Kaleidoscopes & Grimoires: Psych Noir" that includes Ghost, along with occult psych pioneers Jex Thoth, The Devil's Blood, Blood Ceremony and Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats, who I listen to much more than Ghost.
Here's some psych noir recommendations fans of early Ghost might like. For brevity I just included one album per artist, but most have more. I know you're familiar with nearly all of them -- which are your favorites in addition to Roky and Uncle Acid? Also, there's a bit of a mystery with Jex Thoth. The last time I saw them in 2014, Jessica (Jex) said they were working on a new album and it would be out by the end of the year. No third album came, and I haven't been able to find a single clue as to what happened to them. Have you heard anything?
1. Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats - Blood Lust (Rise Above, 2011)
2. Large Plants - The Thorn (Ghost Box, 2023)
3. Rosalie Cunningham - Rosalie Cunningham (Esoteric Antenna, 2019)
4. Purson - Desire's Magic Theatre (Spinefarm, 2016)
5. Blood Ceremony - The Old Ways Remain (Rise Above, 2023)
6. Molassess - Through The Hollow (Season Of Mist, 2020)
7. Lola Colt - Twist Through The Fire (Black Tigress, 2016)
8. Jess and the Ancient Ones - Jess and the Ancient Ones (Svart, 2012)
9. Roky Erickson And The Aliens - The Evil One (415/Light In The Attic, 1981)
10. The Sea Kings - Woke In The Devil's Arms (Iffy Folk, 2014)
12. Jex Thoth - Blood Moon Rise (I Hate Records, 2013)
13. The Devil's Blood - The Thousandfold Epicentre (Van/Profound Lore, 2011)
Bubblin' under: Lucifer, Mansion, Lucid Sins, Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows, Messa, Vitskär Süden, Serpent Venom, The Black Angels, Blood Farmers, Rosegarden Funeral Party, The Oath, The Exploding Eyes Orchestra, Lord Buffalo, The Janitors, Avatarium, Dead Skeletons.
Infestissumam is mostly amazing. Side one is absolutely perfect..incredible. Side two is great but has a few tunes I'm not super crazy about: Idolatrine and Depth of Satan's Eyes. Otherwise it's a banger. Love the vibe actually.
Good video. Appreciate the recommendations! Big fan of Alice Cooper so I’m familiar with Trash but I’ll definitely check those other bands out.
I’m a huge Ghost fan. They’re one of my all time favourite bands. I’ve loved all of their albums and I like that they all have their own unique vibe. I don’t understand or agree at all with your critique of Impera (particularly the lyrics).
The lyrics aren’t “stupid” at all (except for maybe Twenties but even then I’d argue it’s part of the point of the concept of the song/album). To me that album lyrically is the most conceptual and intricate thing Tobias has written so far. If anything, I think the “dumbest” album lyrically is Opus Eponymous. I love Opus to death but, come on, it’s basically just about devil worship for the most part. The more recent albums have way more depth lyrically while still being “satanic” in a more subtle and clever way.
I’m also glad that you moved Meiora and Prequelle into A Tier because there is no universe where Popestar is better than those 2 killer records 😜. But hey, opinions and shit.
Totally agree on October Rust btw 🤘 and Mob Rules and Blackwater Park. You got good taste in production!
I'll try Ghost again now with your guidance, didn't really grab me the first time. Cheers Nate!
Impera is amazing my favourite ghost album
I thought Impera was better balanced then Prequelle, which is my least favorite album.
Queensryche Empire always stands out for its production to me
Good call
Vexing Hex, that's the band to check out if you like ghost...
I feel like "Meliora" was the album where they quit being a "band" so to speak. I can't say for certain obviously, but that might have been the last album that carried over members from the two previous records. "Prequelle" is where it really became apparent to me that this is the Tobias Forge show and he was really the sole member. I'm also a big cinephile so I do love Roman Polanski and I love "Rosemary's Baby", but for me "Chinatown" is his real masterpiece.
If you look at the songwriting and performance credits, the first album actually most closely resembles a “solo” album. Tobias is the only credited songwriter. From the second album on, bandmates/producers/ghost writers got involved.
The first album was all Tobias. The second and third album Martin was the other main contributer, but he quit to focus on MCC I believe. Martin was also not involved in the lawsuit. All the nameless ghouls involved in the suit lost and were also forced to pay Tobias's legal fees.
I actually preferred Wytch Hazel’s previous album (Pentecost) quite a bit more to the one mentioned in this video.
It’s your content or Opeth and the fact that I have to think about that decision is the highest complement I can give you
Another great video Nate. To me, BOC’s Fire of Unknown Origin and Revolution By Night are Ghost albums before Ghost ever existed. The song Vengeance (The Pact) is reeking of pure Ghost goodness. Thanks for the recommendations, I’ll check out Ashbury and Witch Hazel today.
Burnin For You is one of the most significant songs in my life… core memory type stuff
Hey 👋 just wanted to say I checked that Ashbury record out and loved it. Just scooped the last one off of Amazon UK. Can’t thank you enough bud! 🤘
Love this!! Glad to help 🤘🏻🗿🤘🏻
Great call on "Endless Skies". One of my all-time favorite albums!
I’m glad you mentioned the song bible I hadn’t heard it before and am glad I checked it out. I didn’t love impera or phantomine but they had moments. Little sunshine and watcher in the skies were good and see no evil is a great cover
I've always wondered what you thought about Mastodon. Would love to see a ranking of their music too.
Love em. I’ll do that… need to revisit most of em. Still prefer the first one though I like the last few they’ve done
@@BornTooNate Will look out for it! Also could be cool to do a ranking of great releases from classic labels - maybe even Rise Above as you mention in the vid!
Man, you really nailed it with Poison. That is Ghost if I've ever heard them.
My wife and I listenedd to their debut and Infestissumam back-to-back while driving from Santa Fe to Las Cruces in 2013. I think Infestissumam had only just come out. Driving through the desert listening to Ghost. Good times. Got to get back to New Mexico.
First album came out the year I moved to AZ… I definitely associate that one with the desert as well
I've got a friend with "virgin ears" and he just got into Ghost this year after hearing "Square Hammer" on his own. I've pushed him to like this band for awhile but he didn't get it or couldn't connect with it til now. And even now that he loves them, mainly "Square Hammer" and tracks off of "Impera", he won't go back and listen to every record from the beginning. This frustrates me and baffles me because as a fan with any band or metal in general, I treat it as if I'm a historian, I like to go back and hear the influences of modern bands. I like to know where it all comes from and be educated on the stuff I love.
Square Hammer is an absolute monster of a song. I consider it one of the best songs ever as well... I've tried to get a few people into Ghost through Square Hammer and they all complain that their other songs aren't as good, hahah
I could never get into Impera. I thought seeing some of those songs live might convert me but most of them still don't do much for me.
also, maybe it was just my show but their fanbase got super super young as they blew up. I'm in my late 30s and felt old as fuck being there, more so than any show I can remember.
tobias' imperfections are a flex as much as your abilities to notice those things. love it & love you "Mr. Garrett" ! #BIGRIFFLIFER - ry in munichGer
Cheers, appreciate that! 🫡
The first time i heard of S tiers was from Sega's Phantasy Star Online on Dreamcast
I believe Coachella (if I'm spelling that right) was Ghost's U.S. debut, I wanna say, from when I first heard about them. Never fact checked it, though,. Blew my mind. Every metal fan I knew dug it. Though we all referred to the style as "satanic Beatles".
It's so wild that you mention the new song reminding you of the first album. I just discovered the song before seeing what new videos were up on RUclips, and had the very same reaction. Would be really fucking cool, if he revisits that style with all that he's learned since.
MDF was definitely their first show in the States
I have a solid recommend for you Nate. The band Spidergawd from Norway. Their name is not the best, but their latest record is really cool. Definitely on the AOR spectrum. Plus they have a saxophonist. Check that shit out!
They’re good
I'm a huge Spidergawd fan, wish they'd come to North America.
To be honest , I’ve only heard the first one since I was very happy with what Rise Above was doing at the time and I still like this album today , it didn’t blown me away or anything , but it was a solid first record with a very good production . I still don’t get all the negativity that came after towards the band , it is bizarre, but not surprising at the same time since we are talking about “The metal community” here.
Same thing happened with the Sword when they came out. Old losers proclaimed that they didn’t dress or look right. How bout listening to the music?
We have a different ranking lol. Ghost's second album got me hooked. I heard the first album lots, but it never grabbed me, it was the song Year Zero that sold me. Love that song. Meloria is peak Ghost, but He Is became the first Ghost song I'd skip. I wasn't a fan of Prequelle. The album blows it's load to quick. After the 3rd song it just meanders along with too many instrumentals and low energy, low-mid tempo songs and ballads. Imperia was much better. It was better balanced with the heavier/faster tracks more evenly dispersed throughout, instead of having the heaviest tracks at the beginning like Prequelle.
I soon as i heard Impera i said that the album would win many awards cause its a really good rock album. But its the last Album i go to,, to listen to Ghost. Give me OPUS all day long mixed with year Zero, Witch Image, Absolution, and rats....
Listen back to Respite on the Spitalfields without the baggage of the rest of Impera. I think it's the best song they've ever done.
Uuuhggghhhhh
The first ghost record is special. An all time classic across all genres, and time periods of music. The rest of the discography is not for me personally. But it’s not because I’m that first album/demo KVLT metal guy. To prove it I recommend Subvision-“so far so noir” it sounds like the same musicians from the first ghost record to my ears. Ghost is not metal IMO. Subvision is straight up coffee shop indie rock.
ruclips.net/p/OLAK5uy_khgXe1pPTHsmt4mTfnA08nJAxaLLcOZYE&si=f-D80F7FLgSmAJ_v
My bandmates discovered Subvision right around the time Ghost was gaining steam. That song Scenario was a dead giveaway…
Also you have the most unhinged YT username of all time
@@BornTooNate Thanks! It was a headline that reminded me of and S.O.D./agoraphobic nosebleed song title. But it is also true, and an interesting worm hole to go down. Gender transformation to avoid manslaughter charges!?!? Another good title hahaha
Call me dumb, but listening to the first Ghost album gave me QOTSA vibes.
Ghost is a great gateway to metal ... after Ghost novice listeners can graduate to Maiden ... from there to Metallica, etc.
Totally
Ghost’s cover of Phantom of the Opera is so good. The polish on that song compared to the first Maiden album is amazing. My favorite version is still Maiden’s Live After Death but Ghost is a close second
I was with you till you got the prequel that is run over garbage with throw up on it
repugnant doesn’t get enough recognition when tobias was in that band that was some supreme bad ass awesome perfect death metal
you hear a little bit of mary goore come out during mummy dust