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Impera
by
Impera Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 79 Ratings

  • Artist(s): Styles P
  • Summary: The fifth full-length studio release for the Swedish rock band Ghost was produced by Klas Ahlund.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. AllMusic
    Mar 11, 2022
    90
    Impera is the most unabashed exercise in exultant pop/rock sheen Ghost has issued to date; it establishes an exquisite front in their own quest for global rock domination.
  2. Consequence
    Mar 14, 2022
    83
    Overall, IMPERA keeps Ghost’s winning streak going and proves once again that Mr. Forge surely knows what he’s doing as the group’s leader.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 11, 2022
    80
    The music that Ghost make over twelve tracks, more than ever before, is a truly delicious pop-rock proposition.
  4. PopMatters
    Mar 11, 2022
    80
    Once again, Tobias Forge has come through with a slick, wickedly catchy collection of songs that are certain to please Ghost’s rapidly growing audience.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 14, 2022
    74
    The production is a tad artificial at times, way less organic than the somber, daring spirit of Opus Eponymous, but every instrument is performed with impressive precision by every ghoul, and Forge's vocals sound on point most of the time, save for some grating moments when he seems to fall out of character. The added backing vocals and the meticulous arrangements enhance greatly the album's overall sound, but the question remains if these sorts of embellishments are enough for the loyal sheep to keep their faith on what the Clergy is feeding them.
  6. Classic Rock Magazine
    Mar 11, 2022
    70
    as shiny theatrical melody rock designed to look deceptively dangerous on teenage bedroom walls goes, Impera takes Ghost several more ferula shuffles in the direction of their very own American Idiot. [Apr 2022, p.77]
  7. Exclaim
    Mar 11, 2022
    70
    Impera is a solid album and an obvious next step in Ghost's career. It's bittersweet to see the campy Satanic days firmly behind the band, but any old-school fan should still be proud to see what the band has achieved, and it's clear that Impera is the album Ghost needed to take their career to the next level.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Vandole
    Mar 11, 2022
    10
    Groomer virgin here :P It´s as high quality as it was before - catchy melodies, nice riffs and entertaining structures.
  2. MusicGuyMack
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    Though its production leaves something to be desired at times, with the vocals and certain instruments occasionally getting lost and buried inThough its production leaves something to be desired at times, with the vocals and certain instruments occasionally getting lost and buried in the mix, such a gripe is frankly a very minor one when measured against the otherwise exquisite craftsmanship of "Impera" by Ghost, with stellar songwriting and musicianship as well as experiments with new styles like pop punk, glam rock and groove metal effortlessly combining to form yet another instant modern metal classic from the Swedish rockers.

    Choice Cuts: "Spillways," "Call Me Little Sunshine," "Hunter's Moon"    … Expand
  4. q3nt0
    Mar 12, 2022
    10
    Ghost's game is to shock but not in a classic way. They shock, but not with fear, but with hooks and without taking themselves too seriously,Ghost's game is to shock but not in a classic way. They shock, but not with fear, but with hooks and without taking themselves too seriously, all with the metal rock abbaesque arrangements. I'm a big fan of ghost, and this album struck me because of the direction it took. After a few listens, it's definitely a strong album.… Expand
  5. jmneeley06
    Mar 12, 2022
    10
    This album is fantastic and ranks as one of the bands best. This isn’t opus eponymous or Meliora. It stands on its own. Risky and engagingThis album is fantastic and ranks as one of the bands best. This isn’t opus eponymous or Meliora. It stands on its own. Risky and engaging from beginning to end… Expand
  6. JoshuaInsole
    Mar 13, 2022
    9
    This album makes complete sense in the career trajectory of Ghost. That being said, Tobias doesn't rest on his laurels; he goes full out.This album makes complete sense in the career trajectory of Ghost. That being said, Tobias doesn't rest on his laurels; he goes full out. Every song is an absolute banger. Yeah, it's pop-metal, but haven't Ghost always been that way? A meticulously crafted piece of music that walks the tightrope between artistic integrity and commercial viability.… Expand
  7. johnmessarisj
    Jun 4, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Nice and super album from a great group of metal THE GHOST....We love it ....amazing… Expand
  8. clem666
    Jun 29, 2023
    4
    2022? Really? This could have been released in the early 2000's or so! Production leaves much to be desired as tracks sound awfully flat,2022? Really? This could have been released in the early 2000's or so! Production leaves much to be desired as tracks sound awfully flat, unimpressive and bland. It sounds rushed, underworked and desperately evocative. The band is surely trying to tackle interesting subjects, but they use far too much emphasis and seem so confident in a formula we've seen many times before.
    The mixing is poor, the vocals are bad, the pace is very jerky, the silent spaces are particularly ineffective and it lacks both versatility and authenticity. Highly overrated.    … Expand

See all 36 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best Album of 2022
35
#35 Most Discussed Album of 2022