Ghost Scares Up Some Diabolically Genius Metal

When you think Swedish music ABBA isn't far from your head. Europe, the band which either graced or cursed us with "The Final Countdown" depending on whether or not you needed your fill of closing seconds NBA drama in your record collection. Ghost hasn't been around for a decade but if "Cirice" is any indication a fleshed out career of multiple decades may be in the offing. I can't think of too many reasons to jump on the haters bandwagon. I'd like to be able to inform you of the band's names but those apparently are under strict lock and key. Their skull mask wearing leader goes by the moniker Papa Emeritus. Much of the scare factor originates from him. This chorus lays back into classical theater influences. Not that Ghost lacks impetus to mix up really strong hard edged guitars with the slightly uneasy elements of their musicianship. The musicians are referred to merely as Nameless Ghouls. A little mystery in life suits the voyage fine. The flavor Ghost tosses into this mythological foray won't be denied a pulpit to preach from. Early on Ghost has you assuming you'll be presiding over a hard rock grind it out slice of heaven. Towards the middle sedation works to the band's advantage. After all you don't have to oversell the point to get it across convincingly. Not unexpectedly ghostly apparition language froths forth from the cauldron. On the edge of you seat are we? Not that this ghost is unfriendly but it has this knack for knowing which hairs on the back of your neck to plug away at. Verse one hints at illusions surrounding a ghost, unresolved issues galore. He is heard but is not allowed to hide in the shadows. At the chorus unsatisfying conclusions to affairs of the heart receive their reference. Inner turmoil gets its comparison to a raging storm, thunder and all. What would a ghost story be without flickering candles? Ghost understands that's one detail you wouldn't want to make the mistake of leaving out. Ghost could've phoned in its performance by relying on classic macho power chords but when you have your audience spellbound by macabre theatrical flourishes onstage and in the studio why meet the devotion halfway. Each band member comes to the stage in Halloween worthy garb. How convenient for the time. Ghost doesn't skimp on spooky whether with the slight drums giving way to a startling bang or guitars that can barely contain their monstrously wicked intentions. Papa Emeritus presides authoritatively over the beastly din he's encouraging. To me breaking away to a piano, bass, vocal tri-pronged attack makes the guitar sequence that follows even more imposing. We're not talking about some 1980s throwaway hair metal trying to resurrect itself. What's before us is doom metal that'll make the little ones shriek because they know wickedness has descended. Ghost ratchets up subtle scare factor on "Cirice" and that's sure to leave you with wonderful chills you're not itching to dismiss easily.