Satan has risen – and he’s got a Hell of an ear for melody.
The mysterious Ghost come from Sweden, but not much else is known about them aside from a few promo shots, which feature shadowy figures led by a skull-masked Satanic priest. Rumor has it that this is actually a side project from members of Watain and Repugnant (and, depending on who you believe, Fenriz on drums), but the music is nothing like those bands. Instead, we’re treated to a groovy, retro blend of ‘70s heavy psychedelic rock, NWOBHM and organ-drenched doom. Think Blue Öyster Cult, Mercyful Fate and Black Sabbath, but all done up with a catchy, cheeky pop sensibility and paired with cult Satanic lyrics.
If that sounds like a gimmick, well yeah, it is, but it’s also really freakin’ cool. First off, that cover art is just badass. If I were a teenager in the late ‘70s, that would be hanging right above my bed, along with some Star Wars, Master of Reality and blacklight posters. And I’d have “Ritual” – the most addictive thing I’ve heard all year – blaring over and over (on vinyl of course). Just wait until you hear Ghost’s honey-throated frontman crooning the chorus: “This chapel of ritual smells of dead human sacrifices from the altar.” You can’t help but laugh – and then you’ll play it over and over again as well.
Ghost isn’t all pop, of course – they’ve got just enough ballsy swagger and doom atmosphere to offset those syrupy choruses. Plus there’s not a single growl or shriek on the entire thing, proving that you don’t have to be extreme to be evil. (I say that with a wink; this is about as scary as a Hammer horror film festival). “Con Clavi Con Dio” kicks off with lurid keyboards and a lurching, downtuned guitar before the vocals spiral into a cellar-ritual chant. “Satan Prayer” wraps slithery melodies, a tell-tale-heartbeat bassline and eerie organs around its blasphemous refrain. And “Death Knell’s” creeping, minimalist doom leads into a soaring chorus, like Candlemass murdering The Beach Boys in some lonely California inlet.
“Ritual” is still the best track on here – the perfect blend of hooks, attitude and smirking glee – while others like witch-anthem “Stand By Him” or King Diamond-lite “Elizabeth” trade a little too much of their menace for mirth. However, Opus Eponymous is still all very listenable and entertaining, which is why I instantly put it on my top ten for 2010.
The kvlt among you may already be vomiting into your pewter D&D skull goblets, but anyone else with an appreciation for high-concept ear-candy should dig this like an exhumed corpse. No matter who these guys really are, it’s clear they have a love for cult-trash nostalgia, fog-shrouded showmanship and just great, catchy songwriting. Can’t wait to see them live if they ever tour, and can’t wait for their next collection of sinister, sugary Satanic hymns. Hail Ghost! Ghost lives!
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this album has become a minor obsession for me.i really, really enjoy it. Very good review.
on Jan 12th, 2011 at 02:02Excellent album, been listening to it non-stop for the last month in my car, great review!
on Jan 12th, 2011 at 08:10band’s cool.
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 02:00I love this album. Hopefully, they’ll go on the road with Electric Wizard, seeing as they’re label mates.
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 08:11i must be the only one that isnt “getting” this album.
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 11:05Pretty good review, but I think Sarah Palin did a better write up…
http://tyrannyoftradition.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/the-most-amazing-thing-that-has-ever-happened-to-me-thank-you-sarah-palin/
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 16:24^ Oh for the love of…
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 19:28that was a joke…
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 11:58blame the devils blood for starting the newest trend…i’ll stick with my coven lp’s.
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 20:32a friend hooked me up with a copy of this. initially, I was a skosh put off by the less-than-muscular vocals. by wow, this record just kills. it’s got some nice punk rock elements in there with all the Blue Oyster Cult and Pentagram references. I love it. absolutely love it.
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 11:40and also, I’m just amped that someone is dressing like a combination of Arthur Brown and the pope. that’s cool as hell.
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 11:43consider me educated: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z61tlxcqaVE&feature=related
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 13:55also I didn’t mention it in the review but Ghost’s kitschy Satanic angle reminded me a lot of the Johnny Alucard character in Dracula AD 1972 and its amazing orchestral doom-funk soundtrack.
check out some samples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2NZEu0TE5A
on Jan 26th, 2011 at 13:59I was surprised, upon listening to this album, to discover that, while it may be gimmicky, it’s also awesome. This album is brilliant.
on May 5th, 2011 at 10:33a fairly early contender for album of the year. we’ll see.
on May 5th, 2011 at 10:43Did you guys hear? A little while back Ghost played a festival with Down, and Phil Anselmo was SO impressed by Ghost that he asked them to play “Bury Me In Smoke” with Down…and they did. He renamed it “Bury Me In Ghost.” Troo story. I think it’s cool.
on Aug 17th, 2011 at 12:10