Prequelle
by Ghost
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
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  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.
  2. PopMatters
    Jun 4, 2018
    90
    Prequelle is particularly special. It subverts metal clichés; it has a strong sense of history, but at the same time it searches for new ideas within that framework. Underneath the catchy melodies and snazzy artwork, Forge and his band have created one of the cleverest heavy metal records in recent memory.
  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 1, 2018
    90
    There’s a surprisingly thoughtful plague-themed concept running throughout, which, if you care to dig deep enough, equates the sins of the medieval church with today’s societal ills. All this elevates Ghost above the herd, placing them in the sacred company of Blue Öyster Cult and Marilyn Manson.
  5. 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.
  6. Q Magazine
    Jun 1, 2018
    80
    It's all quite ridiculous and lots of fun. [Jul 2018, p.111]
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  7. Kerrang!
    Jun 1, 2018
    80
    From gritty social commentary to '80s metal cheese and retro-futuristic space rock, this is an album that sees Ghost spreading their dark wings. [2 Jun 2018, p.53]
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  8. Rolling Stone
    Jun 6, 2018
    70
    There's a maturity (and a lightness) to the music that's more sophisticated than the usual dreck that their radio competition pumps out.
  9. Exclaim
    Jun 1, 2018
    70
    With a bit better pacing and fewer drawn-out moments between songs, the record could have been the best of their career, but still stands as a fine addition to their discography.
  10. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  1. 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 toThis 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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 onI'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).    … Full Review »
  3. 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 singA 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.… Full Review »
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