Formed in 2006 in Linköping, Sweden, Ghost has become one of the most enigmatic and polarizing acts in modern rock music with their unique sound. Part of it sounds to be a tribute to metal’s greatest, while the rest sounds like a formula for pop rock or arena rock success.
The band’s distinguishing feature is its elaborate and mysterious stage presence. The members of Ghost perform in elaborate, anonymous costumes, known as the nameless ghouls. Frontman Papa Emeritus (I, II, III, and IV) is played by Tobias Forge from behind a silicon mask. This theatrics-heavy approach has drawn comparisons to the likes of Alice Cooper, KISS, and even the theatrical rock icon, David Bowie.
In line with their example, fans began pouring into the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion dressed to impress. Some were dressed as their favorite Papas, others as nameless ghouls. Some took a more liberal approach to their creations, going as far as to dress up as behemoth or a slutty nun. Most, however, did their best to beat the heat in t-shirts a jeans.
Following a musical introduction, the white sheet covering the stage dropped, and the band jumped straight into “Kaisarion.”
The first half of the show was absolutely dedicated to fanservice. Three was hardly a moment to breathe between favorites like “Rats” and “From the Pinnacle to the Pit.” However, there was likely not a fan who was working harder than the lead singer.
Forge, as Emeritus IV, raced on and off stage to switch into different costumes. Throughout the show, he slipped into something new for nearly every song, giving pop divas like Beyonce and Taylor Swift a run for their money.
“We’ve got a pretty cool show thought,” Emeritus said, finally pausing to breathe and address the crowd while sporting a shiny gold jacket. “It’s so nice to see all of you tonight! We have a nice evening ahead of us. A little over a year ago, we put out a new record. And this is a song from that record, it is called ‘Spillways.’”
Musically, Ghost defies easy categorization. Their sound is an amalgamation of various genres, primarily rooted in heavy metal but infused with elements of hard rock, progressive rock and pop. Their music often features catchy melodies, harmonized vocals, and a knack for crafting memorable hooks. The lyrics delve into themes of Satanism, but with a tongue-in-cheek, satirical edge that adds a layer of complexity to their music.
In 2016, “Cirice” from “Meliora” won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2016, further solidifying Ghost’s mainstream appeal. The song is a fan favorite, with screams erupting when Papa, now clad in leather bat wings, emerged front underneath red stage lights. Fans in attendance celebrate the song, with those in the pit clamoring at the opportunity to be taken by the hand and serenaded, or ‘Ciriced,’ by Papa during the chorus.
The lucky fan at Houston’s show was a young lady in golden goat horns, adorned with flowers. Those around her looked as excited for her as she was, filming the moment before it ended.
The Nameless Ghouls were especially interactive. Papa playfully shunned them when they were showing off, especially the fire ghoul, nicknamed Sodo. But he always showed respect to the Ghoulettes from Cirrus, Cumulus, and Aurora as they played from their platforms. Aether got close to fans, turning his head curiously as he almost seemed to pose for their cameras. The rain ghoul was playfully aggressive, throwing pictures and making as if to grab fans.
During “Con Clavi Con Dio,” Emeritus swung an incense burner as he sang. Perhaps it was all in my head but, as someone who was in the fourth row, I can almost swear the scent of burning incense crept around the stage.
Fans checked off important events throughout their show, such as the resurrection of Papa Nhil during Miasma for his saxophone solo. Nhil is played by the same person who plays Swiss Ghoul, a multi-instrumentalist and backup vocalist who largely stays put on a riser to the left of the stage. However, he did trek across the stage to Sodo, hands clasped painfully over his ears, to make the fire ghoul stop playing sour notes on his guitar.
Cell phones came out during the surprise hit “Mary on a Cross,” which had a late rise in the charts due to its popularity on TikTok. Following the showering of Infernal Reserve Notes, valued at 666, during the climax of “Mummy Dust,” the band closed with “Respite on the Spitalfields,” and then exited.
After a pause, a confused Papa came back on, asking the audience why on earth they were still doing here. He said he was halfway to Applebees when he was told he still had an audience.
After some playful banter, he promised Houston two more songs. Uncharacteristically, the crowd booed. They did not relent until they were promised three songs instead.
“You know perfectly well that we would never, EVER leave you without a good night kiss.”
The band seemed to materialize out of nowhere for “Kiss the Go-Goat. Emeritus wrapped an arm around Sodo’s thigh, eliciting squeals from the audience, before diving into the chorus. This was followed by “Dance Macabre,” paced impeccably by the ghoul nicknamed ‘Mountain’ on the drums. Confetti poured from the ceiling, distracting the trong just long enough for Papa to change into red sequins jacket for the closer, “Square Hammer.”
Ghost left Houston thoroughly satisfied, with many fans marvelling about how they didn’t even know where to look at times due to all the commotion going on at every part of the stage. Each Ghoul commanded attention, but Papa did as well. Of course, the music was a delight no matter which way one turned.
From humble beginnings to pyro-heavy arena tours, Ghost continues to put out catchy, interesting tunes, expanding its fan base and solidifying their position as one of the most intriguing acts in contemporary rock music.
I am a multimedia journalist with a passion for guitar-based music – be that rock-n-roll, bachata, or anything in between. When not in a mosh pit, I can be found knitting, collecting CDs, thrifting, journaling, or attempting to incite chaos among feuding global powers. I hold a bachelors degree in Broadcast Journalism and a masters degree in Mass Communication from the University of Houston, making me twice the Coog you'll ever be 😉
