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Even if Ghost did not win their local Wacken Metal Battle, it doesn't mean they weren't worth the prize. Considering what's in store on their latest EP, Days Undercover, it is hard to understand how these guys weren't picked to represent Norway. Even without the Wacken Metal Battle contest win, Ghost will surely be able to land a label contract based on the strength of Days Undercover.

Ghost essentially waves the 80s style True Metal colors. There are small doses of Hard Rock mixed in with the Heavy Metal, Ghost successfully plying both sides of the street. Days Undercover is an easy ride through the old times with themes that are mainly human and/or social in nature. Same deal with the music, Days Undercover, however short, is full of accessible, melodic and quite heavy music.

Some of the riffs and verses are a bit too close to songs of the past, making them a bit dull, in a way. Regardless, when done properly, it is easy to overlook this. Two good examples of Ghost's fine efforts are "Broken Life" and "Craving." The former is an excellent, serious piece about abuse in the home, with some great music that enhances the lyrics. The latter, the EP's opener, is an all out 80s Hard Rock/Melodic Metal charmer, full of freedom and wild forces.

Days Undercover makes Ghost sound like a band that should have been born before 2002. Their potential for 80s inspired hits is very high. Clinging to the 80s era is a blessing, whether it's the sound or the material, but a bit more originality would do wonders. It is with high expectations that I await Ghost's full-length debut.