Ghost - IMPERA (2022) [Official Digital Download]

2018's Prequelle was a divisive record for Ghost, to say the least. While still wielding their tried-and-true brand of gothic arena rock/doom metal (as if they're hellbent on taking over for Goblin when it comes to scoring 1970s-esque Giallo films), many fans and publications—including us—felt that it was a bit too safe, cheesy, poppy, and self-indulgent. Although follow-up Impera doesn't rewrite the rulebook or deviate too drastically from Ghost's established formula, its emphasis on heavier and trickier arrangements and melodies makes it a marked improvement over its predecessor.

Like countless other recent releases, Impera was heavily delayed due to the pandemic; in fact, it was initially scheduled to arrive around the end of summer 2020. As for its concept, mastermind Tobias Forge/Papa Emeritus IV explains that he came up with it several years ago and that it centers on "the rise and ultimately the unescapable fails and falls of empires." He also notes that whereas Prequelle's primary theme (about the 14th century Afro-Eurasian Black Death) was "a tiny tad more spiritual and philosophical," this LP's tale of extinction is "a little bit more practical" (due in part to its parallels to modern times). With help from his ever-changing arsenal of Nameless Ghouls—as well as guests such as drummer Hux Nettermalm, pianist Martin Hederos, and Opeth guitarist Fredrik Åkesson—Forge brings his tale to life with irresistible flair and fieriness.

TRACKLIST

1. Ghost - Imperium
2. Ghost - Kaisarion
3. Ghost - Spillways
4. Ghost - Call Me Little Sunshine
5. Ghost - Hunter’s Moon
6. Ghost - Watcher In The Sky
7. Ghost - Dominion
8. Ghost - Twenties
9. Ghost - Darkness At The Heart Of My Love
10. Ghost - Griftwood
11. Ghost - Bite Of Passage
12. Ghost - Respite On The Spitalfields



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