Ghost - "Meliora" (2015)

My, my, Ghost has really grown.  It seemed like it was yesterday, when I heard about a mysterious Swedish band, who singer looked like Satanic Pope.  And is accompanied by 4 blokes in black hooded robes.  As silly as their gimmick may be to others, to me, Ghost can back it up with their catchy song writing.  Which is why I think a lot of people feel in love the anti papal and his nameless ghouls.  When Ghost were to release 2013's, Infestissumam, fans from the underground were looking forward to that album.  Now that Ghost have become huge, the whole World is looking forward to their next release, Meliora.

I like how Meliora starts off with a old sci-fi/horror synth, before the band begins rocking it with "Spirit".  "From The Pinnacle To The Pit" has a sweet bass intro.  I also love that psychedelic guitar tone.  Very different from what we heard on the last two Ghost Albums  "Cirice", of course everyone loves that song.  From the opening chord to the first verse, this song already has you hooked.  After listening to this song, you know that Ghost have outdone themselves again. "Can you see that you're lost with out me", goddamn, I always have that line stuck in my head.  The Papal never sounded this great.  But the song that I hope will be their next single is "Majesty".  The guitar riff on that song just kicks arse.  "Mummy Dust", "Devil Church" and "Deus In Absentia" has that 70's pop rock feel, which sounds really nice.  And "Absolution" brings out that early Mercyful Fate-meets-Blue Oyster Cult sound, which is considered the band's signature sound.   

By each album, I find myself loving this band even more and more.  And the fact that they focus more on writing really catchy songs, does help a lot.  When I heard their first single, "Cirice", I pretty much knew that Meliora was gonna be another hit with the fans.  Really glad that this album exceeded my expectations, and that the band didn't feel a lot of pressure to write their follow-up to Infestissumam.  As long as Ghost doesn't rush to finish their next album, then I can see this band having a great longevity.  If you enjoyed the last album, then you're gonna dig Meliora.  So gathering around and rejoice the music, that is Ghost.  

Rating: 5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

Code 415 Podcast: 8-28-15

Today's show, I'l be playing new music by Publicist UK, Chelsea Wolfe, and Ghost. If you enjoy these songs, then hopefully you'll follow this bands on social media and purchase their music at all music outlets.

Playlist:

Publicist UK - "Levitate The Pentagon" (Forgive Yourself)

https://publicistuk.bandcamp.com/album/forgive-yourself

Chelsea Wolfe - "Carrion Flower" (Abyss)

http://hellomerch.com/products/abyss

Ghost - "Majesty" (Meliora)

http://kingsroadmerch.com/ghost/

Code 415 Podcast: 8-28-15 by Code415media on Mixcloud

Ghost- "Infestissumam" (2013)

It was about a few years ago that Ghost took the underground rock world by storm.  Was praised by Darkthrone's skin man, Fenriz.  Later a lot of major acts started to take notice (Phil Anselmo, James Hetfield, etc).  They were signed by Lee Dorian's label, Rise Above.  And Metal Blade made sure their debut album, "Opus Eponymous", got a decent distribution here in the US.  And of course there was the mad love they were getting from Decibel magazine ( who had them on the cover, twice).  

Last year, it was reported that Ghost got signed to Republic Records for a lot of cash.  Fans were now wondering if Ghost will outdo Opus.  And people who weren't familiar with them, were wondering if they were worth the hype.  Despite the over-the-top Satanic image, Ghost can really write some really catchy tunes.

As soon as I put in the cd, I knew I was going to enjoy this album once I heard the opening track.  One thing I notice was that the production didn't have that old school sound like the first album.  But it still had that Ghost feel.  "Secular Haze" is a way better song than "Ritual".  And "Year Zero is now my favorite Ghost track (before that, it was "Satan's Prayer").  And of course the chorus for "Monstrous Clock" was a great way to end the album.  Of course if you have the deluxe version, you also get two bonus songs (which includes a ABBA songs).   The lyrics still have a Satanic theme, but there are more church/Hammond organ than in the first one.

If you're a fan of Mercyful Fate and Blue Oyster Cult, you will dig this.  Most metal fans will be put off because they aren't a death metal/black metal band.  But if you can get pass their image, you will really like this band.  And I do have to admit, their image does bring something to their live shows.  "Infestissumam" totally gets "5 Hitlers punched in the face".  Come together, together as one.  Come together, for Lucifer's Son.