Prequelle
by Ghost
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 104 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 104
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 104
  3. Negative: 9 out of 104
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  1. mmirani
    Jun 5, 2018
    10
    Brilliant. Masterpiece. Unique. Game-changing. Add it to your rotation. Enough said.
  2. Luckeer
    Jun 6, 2018
    10
    A masterpiece created by them and perhaps the mastery of the career, a perfect blend between rock and pop with the essence of Ghost.
  3. 0Villain
    Jun 2, 2018
    9
    Prequelle is the fourth album by Tobias Forge's project Ghost, and is a band I have a bit of a connection with. Their song "Square Hammer" was my gateway into the world of Metal, and for that I am eternally grateful. That being said, I was incredibly excited when Prequelle was announced. Finally I'd be able to see one of my favourite bands release an album, finally I'd be able to take partPrequelle is the fourth album by Tobias Forge's project Ghost, and is a band I have a bit of a connection with. Their song "Square Hammer" was my gateway into the world of Metal, and for that I am eternally grateful. That being said, I was incredibly excited when Prequelle was announced. Finally I'd be able to see one of my favourite bands release an album, finally I'd be able to take part in the hype. The question is now, did it deliver?

    Prequelle is heavy in theme and light in sound. I will say that right off the bat, this is less metal and more hard rock. Too many metal elitists have been ripping this album to shreds for not being heavy enough. They aren't wrong, it is light, but Prequelle was never supposed to be heavy. The lyrics are dark and haunting,as expected from Ghost, but it sounds very light, energetic and big. This is not Opus Eponymous 2.

    So, how is it for a lighter album? It's an achievement, and one I suggest all of you listen to. For one, I have no faults with the instrumentation. It is on point throughout the entire album. Faith has one of the most killer instrumental bridges, Miasma is entirely instrumental and is one of my favourite songs, which is rare as usually I skip anything that lacks vocals. Witch Image is another example of excellent guitar work. Not one instrument feels out of place.

    Lyrically, the album nearly matches the instruments, but not quite. What lyrics there are are excellent. Life Eternal's in particular are filled with sorrow emotional. They are also incredibly heavy, which allows for a lovely bit of contrast. Witch Image in particular has some of the best and darkest lyrics on the album, mixed with upbeat rifts that go together perfectly.

    So where does Prequelle falter? Primarily in repetition. Pro Memoria is the worst offender, repeating a fairly unimpressive chorus 7 times. An album of this caliber deserves more fleshed out lyrics in order to achieve a perfect 10.

    But dammit, Prequelle comes close.

    It's an energetic celebration not necessarily of death, but overcoming death, and it achieves this to near perfection, although trips simply by making a hook or two stick around for too long. It's a ride you're sure to love.

    9/10 - Incredible!

    Who should listen: Everyone who loves Rock and Roll / Metal, or hopes to get into such genres.

    Who should avoid: Metal elitists or people hoping for this to sound like Ghost's older records (Opus in particular).    … Expand
  4. bdecked
    Jun 2, 2018
    10
    A strong addition to the Ghost collection. This is an album built for live performances - almost every song is something you'll want to sing along with in a live setting when it's loud enough to vibrate in your chest. I first saw Ghost live opening for Iron Maiden and it reminds me of Maiden's songs that thousands of new fans and old can join in on together. The style defies a singleA strong addition to the Ghost collection. This is an album built for live performances - almost every song is something you'll want to sing along with in a live setting when it's loud enough to vibrate in your chest. I first saw Ghost live opening for Iron Maiden and it reminds me of Maiden's songs that thousands of new fans and old can join in on together. The style defies a single descriptor - but whether you want to call them metal or not, it's fun to listen to.… Expand
  5. Alf15
    Jun 2, 2018
    9
    It may be at first difficult to swallow the slow and pseudo-calm songs, but having the concept of the album in mind makes perfect sense. Death and Survival, Medieval ages. It fits perfectly.
    The only thing I miss is one more heavy song because the album kinda feels short, but the rhythm is perfectly measured . The album is the storm and the calm all at once.
  6. BenGalea
    Jun 2, 2018
    10
    This an is an absolute masterpiece. Although Prequelle deviates from their previous sound, Ghost has come to be a band that does not stand to be defined by just one style.
  7. nikoziko
    Jun 3, 2018
    10
    ghost is back again with an album that proves that their one of the best metal bands out there right now
  8. Deego
    Jun 4, 2018
    6
    It's an album where obviously the band makes its leap to music for most people. A bit commercial, cheesy and with classic sounds. It's not bad, I do not think so, but I can not lose the feeling that in a few weeks many of his songs will fall into oblivion like any current pop music.
  9. silvazuao
    Jun 8, 2018
    9
    The perfect sequel to Ghost's legacy. Heavy and catchy, modern and ancient.
  10. TheNeedleDrops
    Jun 7, 2018
    8
    After listening a few more times i came to like this album. Lots of solid rock songs on it.
  11. svengold
    Jun 5, 2018
    3
    I'm a huge fan of Ghost and was excited when Rats was released. Sure, it was different, but it's good. Unfortunately, it's the best song on the album & really the only one you'll put in playlists or on repeat (apparently I'm old & don't like to stream).
    As a themed album, it is good - the plague vs. the church. The lyrics are dark & the music is light. My biggest issue is this is a    I'm a huge fan of Ghost and was excited when Rats was released. Sure, it was different, but it's good. Unfortunately, it's the best song on the album & really the only one you'll put in playlists or on repeat (apparently I'm old & don't like to stream).
    As a themed album, it is good - the plague vs. the church. The lyrics are dark & the music is light. My biggest issue is this is a largely forgettable album. With the exception of one or possibly two songs, the rest will not get another listen.
    To clarify, this album isn't terrible by any means, it's just not as powerful as past Ghost albums. And no, I'm not a metal-purist looking for Opus 2.0. However, another fast-paced song (not even heavy) would've helped this album out tremendously. As it stands, I'll listen to the album in full a couple more times & then it will get left behind. Rats will be the only song making it to other playlists, including my ultimate Ghost playlist, Hail Satin! (spelled on purpose due to his pronunciation in Year Zero).    … Expand
  12. wickedw
    Jun 7, 2018
    10
    A album that does not need to be called as metal or any genre. Prequelle is prequelle and this is Ghost in his best form
  13. SonOfGagaVenus
    Apr 7, 2020
    10
    Álbum sem defeitos! A banda conseguiu se reinventar mais uma vez mostrando toda a sua grandiosidade no quarto álbum de estúdio!
  14. benjaminstp85
    Sep 4, 2018
    10
    Gran álbum, rosa en la perfección de lo comercial. Tobias y sus Nameless ghouls tienen el talento de atraparte pieza tras pieza.
  15. kdublin20
    Jun 5, 2018
    8
    A wonderfully balanced album that combines sing-a-long stadium anthems and beautifully intricate instrumental work. One of Ghost's best works yet.
  16. AntonioCarreno
    Jun 15, 2018
    10
    This is going to be a Classic album, its a complete masterpiece, Great Production and a great performance by the Ghouls and Cardinal Copia
  17. mdanilau
    Jul 31, 2019
    8
    Another one Ghost-style album. It's good enough, but far from a peak of first albums and those novelties in sound and atmosphere.
  18. Infestissumam
    Apr 1, 2019
    10
    Perfection - Ghost is the Best. Band. Ever. GHOST
  19. MrCrowley
    May 21, 2019
    10
    Although it deviates from metal to hard rock (with some nice ballads thrown into the mix), Prequelle still hosts a nice crisp sound, singing with clear vocals, and a dark tone, all of which I love.
  20. enzosbx
    May 29, 2023
    8
    Ghost's most commercial release by that point. It still has some great tracks, even though it does not top its three predecessors.
  21. DonldTrump_45Th
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Hello, this is a default review because i'm forced to use 75 characters. I'll edit this review in the future talking about the game, don't worry ;)

    My final rate is: 10
  22. iamlucifer
    Apr 30, 2022
    4
    In Sweden, there's something called a "skäggalbum" which pretty much means that every band sooner or later will have THAT ONE album that is complete and utter garbage. And this is the skäggalbum of Ghost. All in all there are about 3 tracks on this album that are somewhat enjoyable, the rest is just uninspiring and boring. It's as if Tobias Forge was forced into the studio by his labelIn Sweden, there's something called a "skäggalbum" which pretty much means that every band sooner or later will have THAT ONE album that is complete and utter garbage. And this is the skäggalbum of Ghost. All in all there are about 3 tracks on this album that are somewhat enjoyable, the rest is just uninspiring and boring. It's as if Tobias Forge was forced into the studio by his label company, whilst not yet ready and inspired enough to actually put out an album. I will never understand how so many people likes this album so much, but hey - to each their own.… Expand
  23. Al0_3
    Mar 24, 2023
    10
    A distinct sound from the other albums Prequelle really encapsulates the beginning of the era of Copia, while still under the influence of Nihl. It's still dark but also pop like in some tracks, with some beautiful instrumental tracks bringing it all together with some medieval style sounds.

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed Album of 2018
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Punknews.org (Staff)
    Jul 27, 2018
    90
    Every Ghost album thus far has had a very distinct identity, and its hard to pick a favorite, but it’s safe to say that Prequelle is their most accomplished work yet.
    Read full review
  2. AllMusic
    Jun 8, 2018
    80
    On Prequelle, Ghost deliver fully on the promises of earlier records. Their strengths--including one for imitation--are fully assembled and focused in an exercise of irresistible arena rock excess without sounding like a pastiche.
    Read full review
  3. Pitchfork
    Jun 7, 2018
    61
    “Rats” and “Witch Image” get their strength from smoldering licks and stacked harmonies plucked from the Ozzy Osbourne playbook, providing metalheads with a welcome break from all the mid-tempo durdling. Given the unremarkable tracks that follow it--particularly “Helvetesfönster,” an ostentatious, baroque instrumental reminiscent of Medieval Times muzak--the latter might as well be the record’s closer.
    Read full review
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