eMusic Review 0
As soon as Ghost swarmed out of the depths of Linköping, Sweden, in 2010 with their retro occult album Opus Eponymous, the metal community came running. Not only was the band’s underground blend of Mercyful Fate riffs and Blue Oyster Cult melodies instantly appealing, its evil shtick was too goofy to ignore. Fronted by Papa Emeritus II, a cryptic skull-faced vocalist in a pope costume, and backed by musicians who all went under the moniker “Nameless Ghoul,” Ghost were a Satanic Spinal Tap with crafty, infectious songs they clearly sold their souls for the ability to write unforgettable songs.
Vocal praise from Down’s Phil Anselmo, Metallica’s James Hetfield and Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl followed and Ghost, despite their blatantly Satanic lyrics, were soon in the center of a bidding war. By the end of Walpurgis Night, they were picked up by Universal, who recruited Nick Raskulinecz (Alice In Chains, Deftones, Rush) to produce the band’s second album.
Ghost (who by then had to add “B.C.” to the end of their name to avoid confusion with another Ghost), haven chosen the moment to stretch their musical boundaries far beyond the metal underworld. Despite its bleak atmosphere and epic structures, the album is ultimately… read more »
