Friday, October 30, 2015

Concert Review: GHOST Haunts Salt Lake City

Shock Till You Drop
Concert Review: GHOST Haunts Salt Lake City

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PHOTO COPYRIGHT JOHN McMURTRIE 2015

Theatrical rock heroes GHOST rocked Salt Lake City and SHOCK was there.

A mere three blocks from one of the largest theological epicenters in America, the force of nature known as GHOST stormed into Salt Lake City rock palace The Depot  on Wednesday night in all their Satanic glory and laid waste to a full house of adoring followers.

The Swedish band’s infamous live show has become incredibly honed in the last three years and it’s clear that the band’s success is being put right back into the production The huge backdrop, the crazy lighting rig, the new masks for the Nameless Ghouls, newly minted frontman Papa Emeritus III’s multiple costume changes; all a staggering site.

Visually and aesthetically the band may seem extreme, but what is most remarkable is their sense of melody and willingness to embrace a more gentle music at times to deliver their dark message.

Papa III speaks words of truth.

The GHOST look may say ‘Satanic KISS’ but the music is pure old school rock, with a sound hearkening back to bands like Coven, Arthur Brown, Roky Erickson, and in particular Blue Oyster Cult. The more aggressive stuff rears its head at key moments, with a heavier sound pointing occasionally to bands like Megadeth and in particular, Mercyful Fate.

As a long-time supporter of the Papa and The Nameless Ghouls, beginning with their demo, it’s been quite a sight to see this confrontational (albeit tongue in cheek) band skyrocket into Grammy-winning mainstream popularity. With the new album “Meloria” selling briskly and the video for their single “Cerice” nearing a whopping two and a half million views, there seems to be no cap on their success.

Factor in the band’s appearance on Stephen Colbert (tonight in fact! October 30th!), as well as their impending arena tour with IRON MAIDEN, and I think it’s safe to say GHOST(s) do indeed exist…

Need more proof? Check out this clip from the show!

The post Concert Review: GHOST Haunts Salt Lake City appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

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