Summary:Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, the second release for the mysterious Swedish doom metal band previously known only as Ghost, welcomes a new lead singer Papa Emeritus II (although some believe it is the same singer from its 2010 debut, Opus Eponymous).
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Record Label:Loma Vista Recordings
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Doom Metal, Stoner Metal, Power Metal, Scandinavian Metal
The classic heavy metal and surf rock elements that made their debut so appealing are intact, with some additional psychedelia and more driving, intense guitar riffs.
While Ghost B.C. could certainly use a little added variety, both musically and lyrically (maybe Satan could sit out as lyricist for like five songs on their next record), there’s plenty here to admire.
Ghost’s sophomore effort, however, is more of a lateral movement than an improvement, and for a band whose songs rely on falsetto and choruses, the absence of memorable melodies on Infestissumam is an eternal sin.
This is in my opinion album of the year. You will not find more catchy rock tunes anywhere. Pretty darker than dark lyrics, but that has itsThis is in my opinion album of the year. You will not find more catchy rock tunes anywhere. Pretty darker than dark lyrics, but that has its charm when combined with those sweet melodies.…Expand
Fantastic sophomore album by the worlds most compelling, new metal band. Many will expect opus eponymous dues, but ghost has managed to pleaseFantastic sophomore album by the worlds most compelling, new metal band. Many will expect opus eponymous dues, but ghost has managed to please their fa base with something different but with the same quality of their debut.…Expand
I haven’t heard Opus Eponymous in full yet, but from what I’m seeing that some fans of it are disappointed by this album. Despite this I’veI haven’t heard Opus Eponymous in full yet, but from what I’m seeing that some fans of it are disappointed by this album. Despite this I’ve decided not to listen to it before going into this review, as I don’t want everything mentioned about this album to be in the shadow of Opus. Ghost is undeniably influenced by multiple metal bands, from Black SaBlack Sabbath to Blue Oyster Cult. I even heard some moments on lead single Secular Haze that reminded me a bit of Mastodon’s Crack the Skye. There’s also an interesting point in the second half of Ghuleh Zombie Queen that almost sounds like Ghost is channeling Beach Boys-esque surf-rock, and it works a lot more naturally than you might expect. One thing I especially like about this band is Papa Emeritus II’s voice, which rather than being booming & epic like you might expect from a Satanic metal band, has more of a high & creepy quality to it that helps the songs a bit in the accessibility department. Also the occasional additions of organs & chorus vocals are a nice touch & can really compliment a track when used well, which they for the most part are. If I had to pick a favorite track I’d go with Year Zero. I mentioned earlier how catchiness is a strong element running through this album, and this song is the biggest indicator of that. Everything about it, from the devil-namedropping refrain to the restrained verses & climactic chorus, is pure ear candy, despite the heavy instrumentation. Similar qualities run through pretty much every track here, whether it be the circus-like organ backdrop in Secular Haze or the stop-start power chords & anthemic choruses in Body & Blood or Depth of Satan’s Eyes that (obviously without the Satanic lyrics) could be a highlight in any good classic rock radio station. The album closes on a good note with the Lucifer-centric mantra in Monstrance Clock that runs through about half of its run-time yet doesn’t feel too repetitive since the instrumentation surrounding it changes a few times in the process. Another big highlight is bonus track & Secular Haze b-side I’m a Marrionette, a cover of an obscure ABBA song that features drumming & production from the one & only Dave Grohl. Which I found to be an odd pairing considering that Dave is one of the most real, down-to-earth & transparent people you’ll come across in the music industry, while Ghost, with their SRS BSNS Satanic stuff & strict refusal to reveal their true identities or even individualize the band members aside from Emeritus, is exactly the opposite. That admittedly might be my only problem (albeit a fairly big one) with Ghost; their complete lack of self-awareness as to how silly their over-the-top image can come off. Still, overall it’s a very solid metal album, and I get the hype.
Top 5 tracks: Year Zero, Secular Haze, I’m a Marionette, Body and Blood, Ghuleh Zombie Queen
Score: 79/100…Expand
Ghost if proof that people will ignore sound if it looks cool; The band is getting sooo much hype as if it's the second comming (religious punGhost if proof that people will ignore sound if it looks cool; The band is getting sooo much hype as if it's the second comming (religious pun intended). I was led to listen to them because it's getting lot of praise on the metal scene. Well, at least Papa Emeritus has a distinct vocal style and he doesn't scream like you would spect. Seeing some live videos, he uses backtracks since all his parts are multi-layered vocals. That kinda sucks. But again, he has his own style. Musicianship tough is very sub-par, sounding sometimes like a garage band and there's no guitar solos (not any memorable at least). I am giving this an 7 out of 10 because the songs are catchy and it has great potential, and it's maybe the best new faces we're seeing. But listen to Mercyful Fate if you want pure evil ass-kicking. "he was born on a cemetery, under the sign of the moon...." m/…Expand
Infestissumam is Ghost's tragedy. Opus Eponymous is a raw and heavy album, without much melodic stuff, it's just simple, and yet brutal.Infestissumam is Ghost's tragedy. Opus Eponymous is a raw and heavy album, without much melodic stuff, it's just simple, and yet brutal. Infestissumam takes away all that I consider being Ghost. The album is not dark, it's just melodic and "happy". There is actually not a single song on this album I enjoy listens to.
Sorry for this Ghost, but GREAT work with Meliora, that's a real masterpiece!…Expand
