Ghost – ‘Prequelle’ (Album Review)
Ghost possess a reputation built on a perfectly crystallized creative vision. Rock fans the world over are by now familiar with their Satanic-Catholic image and the sight of demon-pope Papa Emeritus – and they’ve at least heard of a set of albums bursting with wicked lyrics and increasingly groove-focused rock songs.
Now Papa Emeritus is gone, replaced by Cardinal Copia for an album obsessed with disease, dark times, and the end of the world. On paper, this doesn’t sound too cheerful – but Prequelle itself actually takes on an upbeat, celebratory attitude more often than not.
Hallelujah.
Whether embracing power ballads See The Light and Dance Macabre, exploring cinematic prog with folky overtones during Pro Memoria, or gloriously gliding through closing love song Life Eternal, Ghost have seen fit to highlight their more romantic side throughout much of Prequelle. Elsewhere, Rats brings to mind Queen’s classic Flash during its main chorus hook; Miasma and Helvetesfonster both pass the five-minute-instrumental mark; and both Faith and Witch Image are more straight-ahead rockers, only the former proving an early weak spot quickly forgotten once See The Light begins.
Taken as a whole, Prequelle is the perfect album to push Ghost into the arena leagues and keep them there, where they truly belong, forever and ever.
Amen.
LTK RATING: 93% (Essential Listening!)
Pre-order Prequelle (out June 1) on iTunes.
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