Review Summary: Ghost prove that the third time is the charm and create an enjoyable record that outmatches anything in their career thus far.
Following an indecisive sophomore release with an EP of cover songs, Ghost had a mixed bag of fans. It seemed split between those who wanted the band to go back to their debut days of solid devilish-AOR metal tunes, and those that supported the experimentation from the group and wanted more of it going forward. With their third album in the works, Ghost were at a crossroads on what to create. They knew some group of fans would despise the record if they chose either of their previous paths. Naturally, though, Ghost weren’t going to follow the norm with this album. By combining some experimentation with keyboards and longer tracks with the heaviness and accessibility of the first album, the group devised the best possible solution to their problems. On
Meliora, Ghost shy away from filler and craft a memorable and near-perfect album.
When asked to describe the theme of their third record, a band member replied that
“Meliora's main theme is ‘the absence of god.’ The lyrics deal with the void that happens when there is no god, when there is no one there to help you.” Ominous and creepy as ever, the band stays true to that concept. The lyrical tone here seems darker than before, with topics of the apocalypse, dystopian worlds, and devilish premonitions. While the same can be said of their previous songs’ lyrics, those typically felt a little cheesy and over the top, while here it feels as though the band is truly warning us of something. The music matches this tone, too. Ghost are back to straight-forward rocking tunes that contain endless melodic vocals and guitar work. The harmonies are as prevalent as we’ve come to expect from the band, only this time they’re magnificent and flawless on just about every track.
Meliora is possibly the catchiest collection of songs Ghost has devised thus far. It’s likely the most consistent, as well.
The opening three tracks are powerful and memorable, with each one vying to out-perform the last.
Spirit barely has time to finish its’ Moog-drenched rocking prowess before it delves into the thumping rhythms of
From The Pinnacle To The Pit. The former track utilizes eerie organ tones and spiritual dual guitar work to its’ advantage, while the latter paints vivid, haunting images with Halloween-sounding guitar licks and pounding bass work. Their new drummer, A Nameless Ghoul, delivers in a strong way on these tracks, and is truly a force in the power and heaviness of
Meliora. Lead single and highlight of the record
Cirice is perhaps one of Ghost’s greatest songs in their young career. It’s progressive, just eclipsing the six minute mark. It’s melodic, with soaring vocal work as always. The organ and guitar playing are superb, their riffs displaying a perfect balance of heaviness and catchiness. As has become a staple in their music, Papa’s lyrics transfix the listener to the point where they practically hang on to every word uttered from his skeleton-painted lips. It’s extremely solid writing, proving that Ghost can create longer tracks that are still interesting without overindulging into experimentation.
The rest of the album is equally as consistent. It’s seemingly impossible to choose a favorite track from
Meliora as nearly every one offers something fresh and exciting for the record. On
Absolution, Papa commands the audience to follow his lead, extending their hands to the sky. The eeriness in his voice on the pre-chorus is frightening, yet majestic at the same time.
He Is bestows delicate euphonies upon the listener, seamlessly shifting transitions and melodies that work beautifully. Ghost have learned from the mistakes of
Infestissumam’s longer songs and ditch the awkward cuts and uneasy structures. The song gradually builds into something huge, but still holds back and never erupts into some forced and unnecessary. Instrumentally, the Nameless Ghouls know what each song requires; they’re never excessive with their playing and demonstrate just enough to enhance the music.
The album also benefits from a stronger production than on previous releases. While it leans towards the style that their debut delivered with the song structure, it ups the sound quality from that release and creates a more pleasant listening experience because of it. This is felt on the riff-driven tracks of
Mummy Dust and
Majesty. These songs feature sinister riffs and sneering singing by Papa to propel them along. Closing track
Deus In Absentia’s ticking and keyboard rhythms also succeed more efficiently with this increase in production value, especially on the choir chants that finalize the album. The ticks of the clock are almost Ghost’s way of signifying the time we have left here before everything that we know ends. The world is on fire, and you are here to stay and burn with me indeed.
Two miniscule interlude tracks degrade the album slightly as they only seem to add to the run time and serve as transitions between certain songs. They liken the shorter songs on Black Sabbath’s
Master of Reality in this sense, and would likely have better served as full fledged songs or instrumental version with longer lengths. Still, Ghost show that the third time really is the charm with this release, providing us with their most consistent work to date. Translating to “better” in Latin, Ghost could not have chosen a more appropriate title for their third album than
Meliora. The riffs are heavier, the melodies are catchier, and the themes are darker. Long live Papa, and long live Ghost.
Amen.
Recommended Songs
Spirit
Cirice
He Is
Absolution
